Rafael Nadal: Juan Martin Del Potro sends warning to world No 1
JUAN MARTIN DEL PORTO says he is hopeful of causing a shock to Rafael Nadal and halting the Spaniard’s stunning clay court form.
Rafael Nadal wins 11th Barcelona Open title
Since his return from injury, Nadal has been in irresistible form on the clay.
The world No 1 won the Barcelona Open and Monte-Carlo Masters, both for the 11th time in his career. And he did so without dropping a set in either tournament, stretching his winning record in sets to 46 unbeaten.
In fact, the greatest distance he was taken in a set was 7-5 by Martin Klizan in Barcelona.
This week, Nadal will look to win his sixth Madrid Masters title and is the overwhelming favourite to do so.
Juan Martin Del Potro hopes he can shock Rafael Nadal
We are looking forward to surprising him
Del Potro, who is playing his first clay court event of the year, acknowledges that Nadal is likely to win in Madrid, then the Rome Masters and the French Open.
But the big Argentine thinks he can spring a surprise.
Del Potro told reporters: “I expect Rafa to win this tournament. [Then] Rome and Paris of course.
Rafael Nadal was all smiles at practice
“But we are here trying to beat him and do well.
“If Rafa keeps winning, it is normal.
“But if we have a good result against him, it will be a surprise. We are looking forward to surprising him.”