Although his 2013 ATP World Tour season came to a disappointing end on Saturday in a narrow three-set loss to Roger Federer at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, all was not lost for Juan Martin del Potro.
The Argentine reflected on his body of work throughout the year, pointing to his results against the game’s elite, which included victories over Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, David Ferrer and Federer, and year-end finish in the Emirates ATP Rankings (currently No. 5).
“For this year, my goal was trying to play in the same level [as] the top guys. I think I beat all of them. I am the only player who beat all of them in this season, which means something for me,” del Potro said. “I think I did a great season. Maybe I [will] finish in the Top 5 after three and a half years. [It] is really good [to] see my ranking and my name in the top positions.”
Del Potro also enjoyed his best result at a major tournament since triumphing at the 2009 US Open when he advanced to the semi-finals at Wimbledon. As he looks ahead to 2014, del Potro hopes to close the margins with his stiffest competition.
“They don't beat me easy, and I beat [them in] some tournaments. All the matches are close, but in the end they still beat me because they have a little difference,” assessed del Potro. “Maybe I need to be strong[er] mentally or physically.
“But with my tennis, I think I'm okay. I have still things to improve like my volleys or my approaches to the net. But in the end they make a difference mentally or physically. I will be working hard on that.”
The 25 year old finished the season with a 51-16 record and four hard-court crowns.
© AFP/Getty ImagesJuan Martin del Potro finished his 2013 season with a 51-16 record and four ATP World Tour titles.
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