[23] Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) vs. [54] Viktor Troicki (SRB)
No one knows adversity better than Del Potro, who has undergone numerous wrist surgeries and other injuries that has derailed his career. Those injuries almost ended his career; however, Del Potro is a man of faith and believes strongly that God will get him through. It was his faith that allowed him to fight through and win silver in the summer Olympics in Rio in 2016. It was also his faith that saw him lead his team to the Davis Cup title that same year.
Now once again, the Argentine’s faith will be tested. He was unable to save the only break point against his serve in the first set and some brilliant backhand play from Troicki got him the break. Although haunted by memories of never beating his opponent in six previous attempts, the Serbian showed his determination when he fought off break point to win the set. Yet, memories don’t just fade away, and they came back to haunt him at the start of the second set. Del Potro shrugged off the lost set and dug deep knowing that he could rely on his serve and forehand to get him back in the match.
The second set was a blow-out as the Serbian lost his momentum and focus in the face of the onslaught from the Argentine. The match went to a deciding set and it was being fiercely contested from both players until Del Potro tripped on his left foot and fell on his left wrist. There was a collective moan through the crowd as they understand that this had the potential for disaster. The trainer came out immediately and the game was halted at 30-15.
Del Potro was clearly in distress and very concerned; yet, he opted to continue playing and Troicki distracted by his opponent’s injury lost his way. Troicki tried to fight back; however, with his back against the wall, Del Potro used his forehand to keep his opponent pinned to the back court and won the match 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.
How serious was that injury? Will Del Potro be able to contest the semifinals tomorrow?
SOURCE OF IMAGE: Yifan Ding/Getty Images-Del Potro celebrates his victory.
