Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:08
The second seeded Serb battled to a 7-5 6-3 victory over his Argentinian opponent in one hour 57 minutes in Shanghai.
Sunday’s second game in the Gold Group sees Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko take on Paris Masters winner Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France.
Djokovic surrendered an early break in the first set as Del Potro recovered to level matters at 5-5.
But the world number three moved ahead at 6-5 and then sealed the break and the set after a long baseline rally.
Del Petro drew first blood in the second set as he broke to go 2-1 up after his opponent opted to leave his passing shot and the ball dropped in.
Djokovic though broke right back after producing a fine return to a serve into the body and had the chance to move 4-2 ahead only for the Argentinian to keep himself in the game with a fine lob and then make it 3-3 with a running backhand down the line.
That was the last game Del Potro would win though as Djokovic broke again to close out the win.
