Showdown one match early
“If he takes the forehand, he takes the initiative and I don’t have a chance. I know I will have to play my best tennis, like today and yesterday, to have a chance to win.”
Del Potro won the last two meetings with Ferrer at the 2016 US Open and Wimbledon but, even within himself, Ferrer feels a different man to the past two years.
“I’m very happy because yesterday and today I played very consistent,” Ferrer said. “Since two years ago I didn’t play more than two matches like this without mistakes. I don’t know if it is going to be like this tomorrow but I am trying to enjoy this moment. For me, it is a surprise to play like matches.”
Respect flows. Del Potro knows his big frame and long legs will need to cover more ground than he has been forced to thus far this week.
The Argentine doesn’t get too worked up but there is a sense he, too, is building some classy form.
“We have played many times and we always have good battles,” del Potro said. “No one cares about David’s ranking because he is such a great champion of this sport. It’s going to be interesting to watch and I hope to play a good match.
“It’s a good challenge for me to see how my body is before an important this for these two Robin Haase (NED) v [5] Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP). [7] David Ferrer (ESP) v [2] Juan Martin del Potro (ARG). [1] Oliver Marach (AUT) / Mate Pavic (CRO) v Santiago Gonzalez (MEX) / Julio Peralta (CHI). event like the Australian Open but I am very focused to reach the final here in Auckland.”
Whoever emerges should claim the title, with either Dutch veteran Robin Haase or Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut to contest the final.
Kiwi grand slam hero Michael Venus and his doubles partner Raven Klaasen progressed to the semifinals of the doubles with a comeback super tiebreak 4-6, 6-4, 10-4 victory over Marcin Matkowski, of Poland, and his Pakistani partner Aisan-ul-Haq late last night.
Venus and Klaasen made a slow start but roared home on the back of some stylish shots.