Juan Martin del Potro has admitted that he avoided defeat in the US Open by drawing inspiration from opponent Roger Federer.
The new champion pays tribute to Swiss legend
Juan Martin del Potro has admitted that he avoided defeat in his first grand slam final by drawing inspiration from his opponent Roger Federer.
The 20-year-old said it was combination of studying his Swiss adversary and the support from the crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium that secured his victory in the US Open title match.
Del Potro fought back from a two-sets-to-one deficit to triumph with a 3-6 7-6 4-6 7-6 6-2 win over the all-time biggest grand slam title holder.
The 6ft-6in Argentine thought his game was up at the end of the third set when he double-faulted on the last two points, meaning the world number one took the lead.
"At that moment I start to think (I'm in) the final, playing with Roger, the best player in history. I have to nothing to lose," said Del Potro.
"Two sets to one down, I think, 'OK, you never lose until the last point, so keep fighting.' The crowd helped me, and they saw me fight in every point."
Federer was looking to claim US Open victory for the sixth consecutive time and Del Potro confessed he had to deal with his nerves and struggled to keep up with the Swiss master at the beginning of the match.
"The beginning of the match I was so nervous, I can't sleep last night. I don't take breakfast today," he said.
"That's part of the final, you know."
Respect
The Argentine was the youngest man in the year-end top 10 in 2008 and he almost let his immaturity show after the painful third set by nearly smashing his racket, but he kept himself in check.
"For respect to me and respect to everyone, I don't do that," he said.
"Maybe when I felt nervous I saw Roger and he's a gentleman player, you know. We have to learn many things from him. Many times I do that today."
Del Potro managed to bounce back from the third set debacle and direct his frustrations towards winning the all important tie-breaker 7-4 to force a fifth set.
"I did unbelievable points," he said. "Maybe Roger feels the nerves, because (going for) his sixth straight tournament, it's difficult."
Del Potro is no stranger to disappointment himself, losing out in last year's quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows and to Federer in the French Open semi-finals.
His progression is evident not only from him conquering the world number one but also from his defeat of six-times major winner Rafael Nadal in the semi-final, but Del Potro modestly celebrated his win rather than entertaining thoughts of further grand slam success.
"I don't know, I just want to live this moment," he said,
"Of course I will be in the history of this tournament. That's amazing for me. I have new opportunities in the other grand slams to win, because if I beat Nadal, Federer and many good players, maybe I can do one more time."
The win earned Del Potro $1.85million in prize money but the young player has modest plans for when he turns 21 later this month.
"Maybe cheesecake for my birthday." he said.
