As Novak Djokovic licks his wounds in the aftermath of his defeat to Andy Murray in the Wimbledon final, another player will also be wondering what might have been. For while Djokovic lost in three, admittedly tortuously tight sets, Juan Martin del Potro would have been playing in the final himself had he been able to convert a couple more chances against the Serb.
At the very least, Del Potro’s 7-5 4-6 7-6 6-7 6-3 defeat to Djokovic in the semi-final has reminded fans of his Grand Slam winning talents. The Argentine’s powerful serve and ferocious forehand represent a deadly artillery that poses a severe challenge to any opponent.
Del Potro may always struggle to win the French Open regardless of Rafael Nadal’s presence in the tournament. This is because, like Murray, his game is better suited to hard courts and fast grass courts. Some fans believed Del Potro’s Olympic bronze medal at Wimbledon last year would provide the impetus for further success. However, he has been hindered by injury and has had an inconsistent twelve months.
The 24-year-old has now fully recovered from the wrist injury which kept him off the tour for most of 2010 and he will feel he has every chance of winning the US Open in September for the second time. Beyond that, he may well fancy his chances at SW19 next year.
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