Matches of the Year: No. 7 – Djokovic vs. Del Potro, Shanghai

The Grandstand presents its 2013 Matches of the Year, continuing with No. 7. Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro have faced each other in a whole host of memorable encounters, and their showdown in the Shanghai title match was no exception. Ricky Dimon and Hasan Murad recap the action.

Novak Djokovic d. Juan Martin Del Potro 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(3) – Shanghai final

Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro. Talk about two guys who never disappoint when they square off against each other. Heck, even a straight-set affair at the 2012 U.S. Open was widely regarded as one of the most entertaining matches of that year.

An enthralling rivalry—even though the head-to-head series currently stands at a lopsided 11-3 in Djokovic’s favor—continued throughout 2013. One of its more memorable installments took place in the final of Shanghai Masters. After comprehensively dismissing Rafael Nadal in the semis, Del Potro was confronting the ominous challenge of winning his first-ever Masters 1000 title by beating the man who already had 14 such triumphs to his name.

Both players’ form leading up to the championship and their captivating head-to-head showdowns earlier in the season (Dubai, Indian Wells, and Wimbledon) led to soaring expectations. The first set failed to oblige as Djokovic stormed to a 5-0 lead and obliterated a below-par Del Potro 6-1.

Typical of his fighting self, the Argentine quickly elevated his focus and started punishing the ball with his formidable forehand. That led to a sudden shift in momentum and an immediate 3-0 advantage for Del Potro. Bringing the spectators to the edge of their seats, Del Potro stood up to the challenge of erasing a treacherous 0-40 deficit at 4-2 to win five straight points and hold. One more service game later, the underdog leveled the match at one set apiece.

The final set featured non-stop entertainment. Not only was the duo exchanging incredible shots from the baseline, but it was animatedly trading grunts and bellows. Both players gallantly fought off break points in the first five games and Del Potro showed steely determination and perseverance to save two match points in the ninth game. Fittingly, the deciding set came down to a tiebreaker. Djokovic was close to perfection during his 7-3 dominance of the ‘breaker as the world No. 2 grabbed his 39th career title.

“All the way up to the last point, I didn’t know if I was going to win the match,” Djokovic assured. “It was a very even match. [Del Potro’s] a fantastic player and a great person. He showed that again.”

“The match was really close and I think Nole played [some] unbelievable points in the tiebreak,” said Del Potro. “The match was so exciting.”

Amen to that; and here’s to hoping they play many more in 2014 and beyond.

highlights:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5eHSIuyWrA]

“The Drunken Master”:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj8dZj0rT1E]