03 September,2016 12:03 PM IST | | AFP
Juan Martin del Potro is living the dream at the US Open after returning from a nightmare two years with injury
Juan Martin del Potro
New York: Juan Martin del Potro is living the dream at the US Open after returning from a nightmare two years with injury.
Del Potro booked his place in the third round on Thursday with a 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 6-2 victory over American Steve Johnson. The Argentinian is unseeded in New York but considered a dark horse for the title after reaching the final of the Olympics last month, where he lost out to Andy Murray.
Del Potro won the US Open in 2009 but a wrist injury caused him to miss nine Grand Slams in a row before he made a comeback at Wimbledon this year.
The 27-year-old was also touched by the support he received. "The people supporting me are making crazy and I cannot believe that," said Del Potro, who will now play Spain's David Ferrer.
"I think they are proud to see me playing tennis again after all my surgeries. They know what has been through to get here to come back on tennis.
"That's amazing when I get into the court and the people like just to see me. I'm having great days at the US Open."
Meanwhile, sixth seed Kei Nishikori made progress after overcoming rain and a barrage of booming serves to edge out Russia's Karen Khachanov 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios and Dominic Thiem are also safely through.
