July 30, 2011
Sampras Compares Del Potro to Federer
By Erin Frauenhofer
Juan Martin Del Potro may have fallen in Los Angeles on Friday, but the Argentine remains one of the top talents on the ATP tour. Del Potro will be looking to make his mark at the U.S. Open this year after winning the title in 2009, and according to the legendary Pete Sampras, the world No. 19 has what it takes to become one of the best in the sport. Sampras recently told the LA Times that he sees similarities between Del Potro and Roger Federer.
"I am a big proponent of his game," Sampras recently told the LA Times. "He has a murder serve and I like the fact he hits a pretty flat ball. That's not easy for a guy of his height."
But more importantly, 14-time Grand Slam champion Sampras pointed toward Del Potro's mental toughness as a key indicator of his potential to someday join the ranks of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Federer.
"I also like his big attitude," Sampras added. "He's not afraid of winning or saying he wants to be right there with Nadal and Djokovic and Federer. And part of his attitude is that he's willing to take chances."
"In that way he's a little like Federer. Federer will go for big shots and he's willing to miss, but the makes can be incredible. DelPo is the same way."
On Friday, the Argentine was ousted by Ernests Gulbis in straight sets in Los Angeles, but despite the disappointing showing by the second-seeded Del Potro, he will continue his hard-court preparations as the U.S. Open looms on the horizon.
Del Potro has been steadily working his way back up the rankings this year, after missing a significant chunk of time last season due to injuries. The Argentine will be looking to continue improving on the hard courts this summer as he works to regain his top form.
As Friday's loss to Gulbis showed, Del Potro certainly has room for improvement, but the 22-year-old is up for the challenge, recently telling reporters in Los Angeles that he is eager to improve all aspects of his game and is looking forward to the U.S. Open.
"I'm not thinking about my wrist, about different injuries that I had last year and the beginning of this season," Del Potro had said. "Now I have everything to improve, starting with my ranking, with my game, with my body, with my physicality."
Referring to the U.S. Open, the Argentine said, "I am very excited to come back to New York. If I could start to play tomorrow I would. First, I have very important tournaments before."
What do you think --- do you agree with Sampras's assessment of Del Potro? Do you see similarities between Juan Martin Del Potro and Roger Federer?
What should Del Potro focus on improving as he looks toward the U.S. Open?
Share your thoughts in the comments