Del Potro: "This Week I Won More Than A Tournament"

Juan Martin del Potro suffered his first defeat in his comeback bid Saturday at the Delray Beach Open, but the former World No. 4 admits that just competing again is the biggest victory of all.

“I always try to win, that’s for sure,” Del Potro said following a 7-5, 7-5 loss to Sam Querrey in the Delray Beach semi-finals. “But this week I won more than a tournament. I’m so glad to play tennis again.”

Del Potro had not dropped a set in his first three matches this week, beating Denis Kudla, John Patrick Smith and Jeremy Chardy. Sidelined for nearly one year with chronic wrist issues, the Argentine chose the site of his eighth ATP World Tour title – won in 2011 (d. Tipsarevic) – for his comeback debut. It was an emotionally and physically tiring week for the 27 year old, who is looking forward to a fruitful comeback.

“Sam was really smart playing against me tonight,” Del Potro added. “He served really well. I didn’t have a rhythm, but that’s normal because I was tired. I couldn’t move fast on court and I missed too many forehands and he played at a higher level than me tonight.”

Del Potro will next compete at the first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event of the year in Indian Wells, where he was awarded a main draw wild card. Owning a 16-5 tournament record, he finished runner-up in his most recent appearance in 2013 (l. to Nadal).

“I can confirm I will play in Indian Wells, which is good news for me. I have a few weeks to rest and to train. I will be there to play another tournament and I’m looking forward to the future. I can start to make a plan to play more tournaments. I have many positive things to take from this.”