Del Potro beat Federer in the Indian Wells finals over three sets to win his first ATP Masters 1000 event. It capped a return to the top table for the 29-year-old after three operations on his wrist. Del Potro also considered quitting the sport due to his struggle to get back to his hard-hitting best, especially on his backhand side. But when asked about Del Potro’s game now after the wrist surgeries, Federer went into detail about world number six.
EPA Roger Federer credited Juan Martin Del Potro's backhand
I feel like he looks good on the backhand now. Basically to his old self, really Roger Federer
Federer told reporters: “In the beginning he was chipping a lot, for quite a while, actually. “I was surprised how long it took him to get more and more confident coming over, but I feel like he’s finally there. I mean, only he will answer the question. Later on when he comes in, you can ask him. “But I feel like he looks good on the backhand now. Basically to his old self, really.
EPA Juan Martin Del Porto won his first ATP Masters 1000