Juan Martin Del Potro Vs Tommy Haas; Quarter-Final Preview – Erste Bank Open 2011
With a magnificent comeback this season, Juan Martin Del Potro has nailed almost every top ranked player in his short run. Making his way to Vienna, Erste Bank Open 2011 as the second seed, the Argentine is hoping to end the ATP World Tour 250 event at the
Podium.
Playing against the former world No.9, Tommy Haas, two will battle it out for the semis seat on Friday, 28th of October on Indoor hard court at Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna. Prior to this fixture, Potro has played the German only once and managed
to beat him down effortlessly. However, that was back in 2008 Legg Mason.
Comparatively, the German has been in best of his form regarding his past 10 match record. Winning 8 and losing only two is surely a big boost for the former world No.9. Starting off the season slow and dusty, Haas has made a considerable improvement and
smart selection of which tournaments to play.
Statistically, the veteran is much more experience that his quarter-final rival, however, his age does counter his own experience. Considering his stats, the 33-year-old has won 92 indoor hard court matches and lost 44, which is a good record. This season
the German stands at 6 wins and just 1 loss on indoor hard circuits.
On the contrary, Del Potro has been a bit slow on hard courts. Considering his huge height, the Argentine is less agile but takes full advantage of his power. Looking at his playing style Del Potro is mainly an offensive baseliner with a dominant serve and
deep ground strokes.
Argentine’s forehand shot is one of his strong points and possibly the most powerful in the game, capable of frequently producing great speeds. Adding to that the former world No.4 also possesses a steady and powerful double-handed backhand. The 23-year-old’s
stature allows him to get a massive first serve and also makes it easier for the Argentine to return high topspin shots.
However, comparing the two such that who would win the match is not that difficult. Although the Argentine has lost 4 of his last 10 matches, he played the world top ten and was also able to oust the world top ranked player, Novak Djokovic in the fourth
round of Davis Cup.
Considering that the 23-year-old has greater strengths compared to the former world No.9, Del Potro is more predicted to win the quarter-final match. Formerly ranked world No.4, the huge Argentine is likely to get a straight set win as he did back in 2008.
However, if Haas overcomes the strong forehands of his rival, he might as well get past the world No.15 and into the semi-final of the ATP World Tour 250 event.
Nevertheless, the fixture will sure be worth a watch as the two take on each other for the second time in history and first time on indoor hard courts.
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