By Blair Henley
Cries of “Go Serbia!” and “Vamos Juan Martin!” rang out through the stadium, but in the end, it was the rowdy Argentinean crowd that left celebrating Juan Martin Del Potro’s 6-4, 6-4 win over Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia Sunday in the Delray Beach final.
This was Del Potro’s first title since missing most of the 2010 season after wrist surgery, and the former world No. 4 sees his win as a step in the right direction.
“After a year out, I feel a little strange,” he said. “Three months ago, I was thinking about just trying to play a tournament, and now after three months I won a tournament. So it’s very strange, but I’m very I glad.”
Del Potro struggled initially, going down a break and 4-1 in the first set before rattling off five straight games. Overall, the 22-year-old saved 10 of the 11 break points he faced – five while serving for the first set at 5-4. After playing four consecutive night matches, the Argentine seemed to struggle with the wind and the three o’clock Florida heat.
“I think I played below my level,” he said. “I was focused on just winning my serve, and had two opportunities to win – one in the first set and one in the second, and I took it. I got a little lucky also. But if you play the finals, you have to win anyway.”
Tipsarevic, who was seeking his first career title, admitted the loss was a missed opportunity.
“All of the factors were going my way today to win,” he said. “[Del Potro] was playing every single match late at night with no wind, so he was not adapted on the weather. The game plan I had was good…I just didn’t execute.”
Del Potro was back on the court less than 24 hours after his decisive 6-1, 7-5 win over No. 16 Mardy Fish last night, and despite not playing his best tennis today, he’s encouraged by his progress. After a year away from the court, he’s learned to appreciate every chance to compete.
“I’m really enjoying every day here in the tournament even if I lose,” he said. “I go to the courts to the stadium to see the fans, the grounds. It’s really nice for me. I’m trying to enjoy it, you know. You never know what’s going to happen in the future.”