The order of play for the Rio Olympics tennis event did Juan Martin Del Potro no favors on Sunday night and Monday afternoon. But his trusty forehand did.
Playing only 15 hours after shocking world No. 1 and top seed Novak Djokovic 7-6(4), 7-6(2) in the opening round, Del Potro fought off physical and mental fatigue to battle past Joao Sousa 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 during second-round action on Monday. The 2012 bronze medalist in London crushed 13 aces and won 20 of 22 service points in the deciding set. He finished the match with 16 forehand winners (compared to just one off the backhand wing).
“It was really hard for me,” Del Potro said of playing a tough three-setter after needing two hours and 27 minutes to upset Djokovic the night before. “I could not believe my match from yesterday, and I already won another match.
“I’m getting better. I’m in good shape, but I don’t know if I’m prepared to play six or more matches. This week I’m just going slowly, trying to get better every day.”
The 2009 U.S. Open champion has four more matches at most remaining on his Olympic schedule, because he and fellow Argentine Maximo Gonzalez lost in the doubles second round to the Spanish duo of Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez shortly after Del Potro had defeated Sousa.
Next up in singles for Del Potro is Taro Daniel, who ousted Jack Sock in the first round before defeating Kyle Edmund on Monday. Nadal, meanwhile, will face Andreas Seppi on Tuesday. Del Potro and Nadal are on a collision course for the semifinals, although that potential showdown is still a long way away.
“Seppi is a very tough player,” Nadal commented. “He can play very well on all surfaces with great control from the baseline. I have to change the rhythm of the match to have success.”
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go on, Delpo
Go on, Taro Daniel.
It will be Nadal vs Murray for Gold. There is a lot to be played but that’s what I feel is going to happen.
BRAVO Rafa-Lopez 😀 Keep rolling boys!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvcKgd4Sy04
In this shabby highlights reel you can get an idea of how pumped Rafa was in the double match. He is a very competent doubles player.
Quotes from an interview after the doubles match.
¤¤ Marc Lopez: “I believe in Rafa. He can win everything. I want him to win singles, even if tired, and I’ll take care of doubles.”
Rafa: “Very good feelings. We’re here to give our best and each victory is a reward to keep motivation alive. The match was hard physically and emotionally.” ¤¤ (Translated by Genny)
http://masdeporte.as.com/masdeporte/2016/08/09/juegosolimpicos/1470704625_107402.html
Del Po will probably win next round but the QF would be tough especially if it was against Muller who could use his lefty serve to Juan’s backhand as a real threat. At this point I think Gilles has a great shot at the semis. RBA hasn’t been in great form lately so that’s a very winnable match for Gilles who is obviously in great form.