Del Potro back with a bang

Argentinian stuns Wawrinka to reveal his title ambitions

THERE is a reason why Juan Martin del Potro went under the knife – over and over again. Three wrist operations since his last appearance at Wimbledon in 2013 meant he had had more appointments with surgeons and physiotherapists than on-court engagements with tennis professionals over the past 27 months.

Yesterday, the gentle giant from Argentina showed why all the pain and scars – both physical and mental – were worth it as he toppled fourth seed Stan Wawrinka 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 under a closed Centre Court roof in the second round of Wimbledon.

“It feels amazing. I beat one of the guys who is playing great tennis this season and I couldn’t have expected this before today,” said Del Potro.

“I was really sad for the last two years and now I am enjoying playing tennis again. My hands shaking is a great sensation for me because I’m playing tennis again and I feel alive.”

Del Potro, world No 165, was feeling “so alive” that by the time the match hit the midway point of the second set, Wawrinka did not know what had hit him.

The Swiss, who has won Grand Slam titles in Melbourne and Paris in the past two-and-a-half years, was probably left wishing Del Potro’s surgeon had not done such a good job of fixing the stricken left wrist which he uses to belt his double-handed backhand.

A break for 3-1 was enough for Del Potro to bag the second set and he marked the moment with a clenched-fist salute to his supporters. his opponent.