The Miami Open, Friday's Most Anticipated Match, Del Potro Plays Federer
Juan Martin del Potro, sets up a second-rounder with Roger Federer by defeating countryman, Guido Pella (number 39 in the Emirates ATP rankings), 6-0, 7-6(4) on Wednesday evening at what had been his first match at the ATP and WTA hardcourt event. The Miami Open is the third event the Argentine has played at after an 11-month recovery period from his left wrist surgeries for chronic tendinitis. Del Potro was formerly number four but now ranks 366th as a result of having been away from the sport.
The Swiss number three, Federer, leads the ATP head-to-head series with del Potro 15-5, but the 27-year-old Argentine's Grand Slam singles title at the 2009 United States Open was well-deserved after Federer's defeat in the final.
The two tennis superstars have competed at the most prominent events the sport offers such as the ATP World Tour Finals, the London 2012 Olympic Games, and four Grand Slams. Friday's match at 2:30 in the afternoon is one of the most anticipated ATP Masters 1000 second-round matches in recent times.
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Federer himself is returning to the sport after undergoing major knee surgery some time after his loss to Novak Djokovic at the semi-final of the Australian Open. He sustained the injury at his home while preparing a bath for his twin daughters in February. The 17-time Grand Slam winner had suffered a torn meniscus.
The two opponents are making a comeback from their sports-related injuries, somewhat leveling the field. But no matter how the ranking stands, Friday's match may go either way.
Del Porto tells Reuters, "We're both coming off injuries but I think it will be a really good match." He adds, "I'm going to play my best tennis against Roger."
Federer on the hand, who has been on crutches only recently and is returning from a two-month-long break due to his injury, feels extra cautious with his recent injury, although the two-time Grand Slam winner confesses to being excited about his upcoming match with del Potro and pleased at the progress of his knee rehab.
The Swiss tennis pro says, "If I feel something tomorrow, I won't play. It's very simple." And he adds, "Expectations are really low, which is nice for a change---just see where I am. I'm just really pleased I'm back. I didn't expect myself to be back here, to be quite honest, after the surgery."
