Juan Martin Del Potro: It Was A Wonderful Evening, I Feel I Can Again Play With The Best In The World

Juan Martin del Potro’s day began getting stuck in an elevator but finished on a high note, beating the best tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic, 76(4), 76(2) in the first round of the Rio Olympics tennis event.

After years of frustration with his wrist injuries, the victory was the biggest for the Argentine since beating Djokovic for the Bronze at the 2012 Olympics in London.

“It was a wonderful evening from the beginning,” Del Potro said. “After all the effort I’ve put in to get back to playing tennis, I’ve defeated the number one. It was a dream night.”

“I think this victory, it’s more big for me because I know my present,” he added. “I know how tough it was to come back in tennis after my third surgery on the wrist, and I think I played one of the best matches of my career.”

Del Potro will be back on court this afternoon in Rio to face Joao Sousa and then against in doubles against Rafael Nadal.

After his big win last month over Stan Wawrinka at Wimbledon, the signs continue to look good for del Potro on this comeback after things were so bleak a year ago.

“I felt once again I had the capability to play against the best in the world. After everything I’ve been through with my wrist. I also played well with my forehand. When I hit, the crowd was cheering from the stands. I love that. It gives me more motivation. It was a dream night.”

This is how Delpo started the day: trapped in an elevator at the Olympic village for 40 minutes. pic.twitter.com/EFNmOKqIwE

— Jorge Viale (@jorgeviale) August 7, 2016