16/05/2012 19:23 CEST - INTERVISTE

J. Del Potro - 16.05.2012

Q: I know that in your first match you had some problems with your knee? How did it go today?
Del Potro: I thin better today --- the trainer made a good tape to play safe and better and I don't feel anything. It’s a good signal to recovery.
Q: A general question – you are the last guy to win a Grand Slam out of the top 4 for the past seven years – 2005 was the last win. Is this something you are proud of?
Del Potro: Yes I am proud but all the 3 guys who are winning the grand slams are making history in this sport I had my chances in 2009 and take it. They are making history and I am proud to share with them the same
moment. I am working to be ready of I have a chance to win another Grand Slam.
Q: A lot of the players used to think the clay was dangerous. They would stand on the base line an play very long points. Now a lot of the dangerous?
Del Potro: I think all players try to play aggressive on the court. been playing with Roddick and Cilic they are aggressive and the players getting more faster in all the tournaments and the balls are changing and the players have more power to be aggressive.
Q: Looking back to your amazing 2009 season, how do you rate your level compared to today. Is is similar of something below?
Del Potro: I think I am playing well. After the tournament then I was 8 or 9 and now I am 7 or 6 that means I am doing well than 2009 my game is still improving so I am ready again to fight and play all the tournaments.
Q: What was the most difficult thing to get back after surgery .. the physical side or mentally. …..
Del Potro: Well mentally was the worst part because I saw on TV all the guys playing and so I thought I was losing … and I was using my protection ranking but I was not seeded in the tournament but I was working hard
with my friends and family to be strong mentally and also with my coach with my game and I am now really enjoying my game again and glad to be here.
Q: Do you feel your confidence level is back to where it was?
Del Potro: I think it is getting closer. I am confident with my game at the moment and am looking forward to the season and I want to have a good Roland Garros.
Q: There are a lot of tournaments coming up. There is the French Open, Wimbledon, the Olympics and for you there is the Davis Cup. Do you have a priority and if yes, how difficult is it when there are so many top tournaments?
Del Potro: We have a tough season – after the French Open we have a tough season. It is strange because we have to play the Olympics which are not mandatory we have to play another two 500 tournaments. Anyway –
these are the rules. We have a shorter season and it is better but tougher for the players.
Q: inaudible
Del Potro: It is very important all the tournaments that I am playing. We have the semi finals – a very difficult team and the Czech Republic – we are going to be ready to play as best we can.
Q: You are a big football fan. Are you waiting for the victory of Juventus or Turin in the Italian league?
Del Potro: I'm in Rome – I don't want to say something wrong here.