Exclusive interview with Del Potro

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06:27

In a fresh episode of our tennis series, Beyond the Baseline, CGTN Sports Scene talked to the top seed at the China Open, world number four Juan Martin del Potro.

The tall Argentine won his first and only grand slam title back in 2009 before his promising career was derailed with a wrist injury, but is now back on track and reached the US Open final last month where he lost to Novak Djokovic.

In a free-wheeling interview CGTN Sports Scene, Del Potro spoke at length on having pressure as the top-seeded player in the tournament.

Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina hits a return during his men's singles first round match against Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on October 2, 2018. /VCG Photo

"I don't see any pressure playing here in Beijing. Like every big tournament, I go prepared, I have come here with preparations and will try to win a few matches and go far.

"I know how difficult the tournament is and big tournaments have big names in the draw. Anything can happen but I am looking forward to a win here."

However, this season has been a great one for Del Potro.

"To be honest, I didn't expect to be at the highest rank in my career at this moment and to reach another Grand Slam final, apart from winning a couple of tournaments.

"I had a lot of problems with my wrist a couple of years ago and I suffered a lot to comeback and play tennis.

"I expected only to play tennis again. These things are surprising me every week and I can't describe in words how happy I am getting these all in my life."

Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina returns a shot against Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay during the Men's singles first round on day four of 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 3, 2017 in Beijing, China. /VCG Photo

He is one of the tallest players on tour but he has used his height and stature to his advantage.

"I worked hard every day on my movements and I know I have to be fit and have to be in good shape in order to play long matches, to run around the court. Movements are pretty important for a player. I work hard on these and thus feel good on court.

(L-R) Alexander Zverev of Germany, Zhang Shuai of China, Rafael Nadal of Spain, Maria Sharapova of Russia, Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, Martin del Potro of Argentina, Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic and Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria pose for a picture in front of the National Stadium before the 2017 China Open Player Party on October 1, 2017 in Beijing, China. /VCG Photo

But what's keeping him going.

"I think I had a good career since 2007. And I am not feeling that old at 30. I can see Roger playing at 37 and it's a big motivation for me."

"I don't know if I will be playing at 36 but for the moment I feel ok. I want to play for a couple more years"

It was a very special moment for me and my country to win the Davis Cup. I am lucky to be in the team.