del Potro powers past Zverev

 

Originally published on 12/10/17 00:00

The Argentine, who will return to the Top 20 on Monday for the first time in over three years, rallied from a set down to take out the No.3 seed and maintain his hopes of capturing a maiden Masters title.

“If my level continues improving, I will get closer to the top guys,” remarked del Potro after the match. “It's not easy and I have made a big effort after all my injuries to play tennis, but I think I'm doing well.”

The 29-year-old will encounter either John Isner or Viktor Troicki in the quarter-finals on Friday.

An inspired Rafael Nadal stormed into the last eight by overcoming Fabio Fognini 6-3 6-1 in just 62 minutes.

The world No.1 has not always had easy against the skilful Italian however he was untroubled on this occasion. It was another clinical performance from the top seed and his backhand, which has been a revelation this season, was outstanding once again.

The Spaniard will take on Grigor Dimitrov for a second consecutive week on Friday. The pair met in the semi-finals of the China Open in Beijing and Nadal emerged a 6-3 4-6 6-1 winner.

The Bulgarian maintained his place in the competition – and strengthened his bid to qualify for the World Tour Finals – by ousting Sam Querrey 6-3 7-6(3).

If Dimitrov does edge out Nadal in the last eight, then his place in London will be assured.

Elsewhere on the grounds, Marin Cilic brushed past Steve Johnson 7-6(1) 6-4 and Albert Ramos-Vinolas ended Jan-Lennard Struff’s impressive run 7-6(4) 6-4.

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