"It's so good for my team and my family. I am so proud to be playing tennis. I feel at home here"
Thursday 7 June 2018 18:36, UK
Juan-Martin del Potro was left in tears over his remarkable recovery from injury that has led him to the French Open semi-finals.
The Argentine saw off Marin Cilic in four sets in a rain-delayed quarter-final at Roland Garros, to reach a second semi-final from the last three Grand Slams, following a final-four spot in New York last September.
His upward trajectory - rising from lower than 1,000 in the world last year to a guaranteed career high of fourth when the next round of rankings come out - looked unlikely after he missed nine Grand Slams in a row after almost disappearing from the tour in 2014.
His problems began in 2010 when a wrist injury kept him out for much of the year, and despite returning to prominence, and reaching a Wimbledon semi-final in 2013, they re-materialised - almost costing Del Potro his career.
"It's tough to speak now," a tearful del Potro said moments after his win over Cilic, who he will leapfrog in the rankings when they are released on Monday.
"It has been a long time without a good feeling in my body. I have had three surgeries on my left wrist and I was close to quitting. I don't have any words.
"It's so good for my team and my family. I am so proud to be playing tennis. I feel at home here."
