Before defeating Djokovic, del Potro was stuck in Rio elevator

Del Potro Wins Despite Elevator Mishap

Del Potro called on help from his fellow countrymen on the handball team to help bail him out during a power outage in the Olympic Village

In a case of déjà vu all over again, for the second Olympics in a row, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic is out thanks to Argentinian Juan Martin del Potro. It was a surprise in London back in 2012, but it was an even bigger one this time around, with the world’s No. 1-ranked player being ousted in just the first round. Suffice it to say, Djokovic should probably avoid any Olympics match in his future—assuming he has another one in him—if he knows del Potro is in his draw.

Still, as amazing as del Potro’s performance was, his preparation didn’t exactly start off according to plan.

Forty minutes! Not the best way to prepare for facing the best in your sport.

Apparently, del Potro’s athlete-village block suffered a power outage while he was in the elevator. del Potro’s media representative tweeted this cute picture of the 2009 US Open champion while he sat in the elevator waiting for help.

True to the spirit of the Games, it was the Argentinian handball team that came to del Potro’s rescue, bailing him out in time enough to prepare for his headlining match. Indeed, it’s moments like these that make the Games fun and fascinating to watch!

The 27-year-old now faces Portugal’s Joao Sousa — hopefully after taking the stairs.

Some of the funny tweets below about the situation:

https://twitter.com/jweatherby76/status/762467510859943940

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