'I was devastated after losing against Roger Federer', says former Top 5

Juan Martin del Potro has spent most of his career in the shadow of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Considered one of the few players able to stand up to the Big 3, and winner of a single Slam at the US Open 2009, the Argentine champion has had to deal with countless injuries during his career. Precisely on the occasion of the US Open eleven years ago, the former World number 3 managed to eliminate Nadal in the semifinal and Federer after a breathtaking five-set final. During a long interview on the ITF website, the Tandil Tower recalled some of the best moments of his career, including the 2012 London Olympics. On the legendary Wimbledon Central, Delpo was forced to surrender against Federer in one of the most beautiful in the history of the Games.

Del Potro on the London Olympics

"A historic match," reminisced Juan Martin del Potro. "I thought that was my last chance to win a medal, that it could be my only opportunity. I was devastated after losing that match. The next day I was set to play Novak Djokovic for the bronze medal; I thought I had no hope," said Del Potro. "That night I couldn't sleep, I cried. But when I woke up I felt ready to play, because I had nothing to lose. I felt I had lost everything against Federer, but I won the match and the bronze medal," the 31-year-old added with immense pride. "Roger Federer asked: ‘What happened? What are you doing here?," recounted the Argentine. "And I told him I’d won. He said: ‘I’m so happy for you, I’m really glad, after our match. How wonderful!’ That is my most vivid memory from London." Del Potro was able to do even better at Rio 2016. "Nobody wanted to tell me that I had Djokovic in the first round," said Del Potro. "He was the big favorite to win the gold medal. When they told me, I immediately went to eat a hamburger and ice-cream because I figured I had no chance! I’ve already won silver, that's good enough for me," added Del Potro. "That turned out to be one of the best weeks of my tennis career. I'll always remember it, because I not only beat Djokovic, but also Nadal in the semi-finals to reach the final, and, well, I ended up winning silver, which was an epic moment. For me, the Olympic Games are unforgettable" - Juan Martin concluded.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/39yagZH