Del Potro clinches Nitto ATP Finals spot by reaching Beijing quarterfinals

Juan Martin Del Potro may not be a part of the proverbial “Big 4” on the ATP World Tour, but there will be a “Big 4” at this year’s Nitto ATP Finals. And Del Potro certainly belongs in that quartet.

The 30-year-old Argentine clinched his spot in the year-end championship on Wednesday, joining Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer. He punched his ticket by advancing to the China Open quarterfinals with a 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Karen Khachanov.

“I’m happy to get in London after five years,” said Del Potro, who last played at the O2 Arena in 2013. “It will be an amazing moment for me. I will love to be part of the eight players, to make that event. Of course, it’s a very special tournament for us. I will be excited to do well in London.”

The world No. 3 has been without question one of the four best players this season, currently No. 3 in the race ahead of Federer (the Swiss clinched earlier than Del Potro by virtue of winning the Australian Open). Del Potro’s 2018 campaign includes his first career Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells, an additional triumph in Acapulco, a semifinal showing in Miami, and a runner-up performance at the U.S. Open.

Improving to an awesome 45-11 for the year, the 2009 U.S. Open champion followed up a 7-5, 6-2 defeat of Albert Ramos-Vinolas by scraping past Khachanov in one hour and 39 minutes. Del Potro failed to serve out the match a 6-5 in the second set but recovered in the ensuing tiebreaker and converted his second match point with his 11th ace.

“I think we played a good match,” Beijing’s top seed assessed. “Basically in the second set we played a good tiebreak with tough points. Karen is a difficult opponent. He has everything to keep improving. He has a big potential to grow in the rankings very soon. I think I [played] very good match today.”

Wednesday highlights:

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