WHAT HAPPENED: After giving up just seven games in his opening day victory, the big man Juan Martin del Potro announced that he had “high expectations” for the US Open.
So far, the Argentine had delivered big time on his proclamation as the third–seed and 2009 champion has marched into the third round without the loss of a set.
On Wednesday, behind a thunderous serve and his signature powerhouse forehand, del Potro beat American Denis Kudla 6-3, 6-1, 7-6 in under two hours to fill the Louis Armstrong Stadium with rhythmic cheers of "ole, ole" from his legion of fans many decked out in his country's blue and white colors.
The 6-foot, 6-inch (1.98m) del Potro dominated with a serve that clocked out as fast as 135 mph. He had 20 aces and just one double fault. He never lost a service game and Kudla never had a break point. Del Potro made 73 percent of his first serves and lost a mere eight points on his first serve.
In the second set del Potro had three love service games highlighted by the first game when he blasted three aces.
Del Potro backed up his serve from the baseline, pounding 36 winners -- most off his forehand -- against just 19 errors. His sometimes suspect backhand was rock solid as he looked comfortable in the rallies to use his slice crosscourt to pin Kudla deep in the corner.
The 26-year-old American made the final set a competitive one, playing the type of tennis that he has for much of the spring and summer season in reaching the semifinals at Halle and the Washington quarterfinals. His recent surge has lifted him to No. 72 in the world rankings.
Kudla dropped his serve to begin the tiebreak, but immediately broke back with a forehand winner for 1-1. However, a double fault dropped him to 1-3 and led to a del Potro run of three more points to take him to a commanding 6-1 lead. Kudla stiffened saving the first two match points before missing a backhand to finish the match.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN: The injuries and surgeries that robbed del Potro of the 2014-15 seasons have been well chronicled. Today there is little doubt that the 29-year-old is once again fully healthy and ready to contend for a second Grand Slam singles crown. “I don’t talk anymore about the injuries. Now I’m feeling good,” said del Potro.
His recent play has reflected his growing confidence. He reached the French Open semifinals and Wimbledon quarterfinals, both times losing to Rafael Nadal. Del Potro has won two tournaments this year (Acapulco, Indian Wells) and reached two other finals (Auckland, Los Cabos).
Up next is No. 13 Fernando Verdasco of Spain who held off former champion Andy Murray in a three-hour plus battle.
MATCH POINT: Through two matches, del Potro has blasted 31 aces, 66 winners and won 80 percent of his first serve points.
