Even if I don’t beat Djokovic today, I’ll

Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina WHETHER he beats Novak Djokovic today to claim his second grand slam title or not, Juan Martin del Potro will still consider himself a winner.

When he won his first title here nine years ago as a 20-year-old, overpowering first Rafael Nadal and then Roger Federer, Del Potro seemed poised to be a major thorn in the side of the big four.

But six months later he was off the tour after undergoing surgery on his right wrist and, just when he was finally back to his best, he began to feel pain in his left wrist.

Del Potro lost nearly two years, undergoing three operations and fearing his career was finished.

The boot was on the other foot yesterday when he benefited from another player’s injury, Rafael Nadal retiring with knee problems at two sets down. Del Potro was sym- pathetic, but he could not hide a beaming smile.

“I cannot believe that I will have a chance to play another grand slam final here, which is my favourite tournament,” said the 29-year-old. “So it will be special to me. A big challenge, as well, because I’ve been fighting with many, many problems to get to this moment.

“It will be a difficult match, of course. But I think I’ve been doing a good tournament. And in the finals, anything can happen. If I win, great. If not, I’ve been playing a great tournament and I will be happy anyway.”

The lowest point came after two wrist operations when he was still unable to play and had to decide whether to go under the knife for a third time.

The friends who have come to New York from his home town of Tandil and been so vocal in their support played an important role in keeping Del Potro believing that things