US Open: Juan Martin del Potro completes comeback
Once again, the inspiring Argentine tennis player defies the odds to save match points and comes back, winning a five set thriller against Dominic Thiem, 1-6, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6(1), 6-4.
Juan Martin del Potro has done it again. The 28-year-old fought an emotional two match points to rally a spot in the quarters. No one fights like the 24th seed and he gave us the match of the tournament, defeating six seed Dominic Thiem in five thrilling sets.
“I play one of the epic matches of my career here in the U.S. Open, which is my favorite tournament, in front of a great crowd,” del Potro said afterwards.
The crowd carried the former world No. 4 through the match after he found renewed energy in the third set, with chants of “Ole, ole, ole” and calling out his name, turning the match around. He brought the crowd to their feet throughout, creating an electric atmosphere in the Grandstand. It was so noisy, it could be heard in Roger Federer’s fourth round match over on Arthur Ashe, a much more sedate affair.
“I was sick the last two days,” del Potro said to the crowd after the win. “I was thinking to retire in the middle of the second set because I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t move well. Dominic was dominating the match so easy.”
Entering the Grandstand, the Argentine looked pale and listless. He called for the doctor early on, who gave him pills, which seemed to kick in just in time for the third set turnaround. Then the adrenaline-fueled 28-year-old rallied on to gain momentum in the fourth round match.
“I don’t know how I was able to win that match,” he said to ESPN afterward. “When I saw this crowd cheering for me, I was trying to feel better. I fought like this because of these guys.”
Del Potro faces Roger Federer in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. The Swiss player owns their head-to-head with 16 victories, but unlike most of the players Federer has faced, The Argentine has scored five wins against him.
Both players are in the midst of comebacks and are playing their best tennis. Their matches have always been close and their quarterfinal is sure to not disappoint.