Del Potro earns place in Australian Open 3rd round

Melbourne Jan 18 (IANS) Argentine Juan Martin del Potro World No.10 on Thursday prevailed over Karen Khachanov of Russia 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (0-7) 6-4 securing a place in the Australian Open third round for the first time since 2013.

The 2009 US Open champion needed three hours and 45 minutes to take down Khachanov 21 in his first participation in the tournament since 2014 after recovering from physical issues that held him back from competing in Melbourne reports Efe.

"I am so happy to be here after so many years. I had pains everywhere but I am still standing up " Del Potro said.

Del Potro fired 73 winners compared to Khachanov s 60 proving that the 29 year old was getting back on track.

"These young guys are so strong and I feel like I am getting older for sure. They are so strong. He hit harder than me the service and the forehand and I had to run a lot but I think I took my chances to win the match " he said.

The 12th seed Del Potro is set to play world No. 20 Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic who defeated Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain 3-6 6-2 2-6 6-3.

The 19th seeded Berdych took two hours and 31 minutes to overcome World No.71 Garcia-Lopez.

--IANS
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