Del Potro: “It Could Be One Of My Best Seasons”

Juan Martin del Potro, who competes as the top seed at this week’s China Open in Beijing, has his sights set on finishing the year at his highest position in the ATP Rankings.

“It could be one of my best seasons of my career,” said World No. 3 Del Potro on Sunday. “I won my first [ATP World Tour] Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells [the BNP Paribas Open], then I got my highest ranking ever this season.

“I played another Grand Slam final for the first time in nine years and I’ve still got the chance to finish the year at my highest ranking. It’s been an amazing year for me. I want to keep going, because I like to surprise myself. I’m excited for that.”

The Argentinean will be competing in both singles and doubles (w/Leonardo Mayer) during the ATP World Tour 500 tournament in Beijing, which marks his first event since reaching the US Open final (l. to Djokovic) on 9 September.

Del Potro is currently in third position in the ATP Race To London and is next in line to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals in November. Del Potro has not competed at The O2, venue of the 11-18 November season finale, since 2013. Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have already qualified.

“I was exhausted after my big effort in New York,” explained Del Potro, who has a 43-11 match record in 2018. “But I went at home and spent time with my family and friends. I trained hard to be ready for this tournament. Also, I am fighting for the last five spots in London, so it could be an interesting battle between us.”

Del Potro will begin his Beijing campaign against Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas, with a potential second-round clash against Karen Khachanov of Russia or American Sam Querrey.

View Beijing Draws: Singles | Doubles