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Juan Martin Del Potro Surging at Indian Wells, Says He’s “Playing a Different Game Now”

(Indian Wells, CA)– Juan Martin Del Potro says his game is much different than it was before his wrist injury and that he’s now a more complete player.

Could injury be a good thing?

Baseball pitchers often come back from Tommy John surgery with more velocity, but that’s not what the resurgent World #8 means.

Del Potro says multiple surgeries on his left wrist have forced him to become more versatile, using slice, drop shots, and approaching the net more often.

“I like the way I’m playing now. It’s more funny to watch, also.” Del Potro said.

The Argentine played a solid, if not dominant match against David Ferrer, winning 6-4, 7-6 and will next face fellow countryman Leo Mayer in the Round of 16.

Del Potro says he’s still getting treatments on his wrist and is far from satisfied with what he’s doing on the backhand wing.

“I know I could hit much better than I did today, and I need a better backhand to

keep winning and to improve my ranking and my game,” Del Potro said.

He says his slice is the most effective option at this point, but he still frequently attempts the drive backhand and has not given up on it.

“Of course I would prefer to have again my old backhand, my old two-handed backhand. But this is the way what I play today and I have to agree with that,” he said.

Del Potro should take heart: He’s on the way up after recovering while other stars of the men’s game are struggling badly with injuries, including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray.

The shoe is on the proverbial other foot, or wristband on the other wrist, as the case may be.

After Roger Federer, Del Potro is now the highest seed left in the tournament.