Juan Martín del Potro has confirmed his presence for this weekend’s Davis Cup semifinal against the Czech Republic as Argentina bid to reach the Cup Final for the second straight year.
Following his run to the US Open quarterfinals, del Potro is still struggling with a wrist injury and has been told that rest is the key to recovery, but he understands he is a key part of the Argentine squad.
“The doctor has recommended me to rest for 15 days, but I’ll do the impossible to play against Czech Republic,” del Potro tweeted.
The world No. 8 was ruled out for the majority of 2010 with a wrist problem, missing the entire Davis Cup season, and made his comeback for Argentina in last year’s World Group quarterfinals.
Argentina’s captain Martin Jaite stated, “Del Potro told me that the doctor Berger (a wrist specialist) told him to rest 15 days, but he wants to be there.”
Jaite is already without the services of Davis Cup stalwart David Nalbandián, who misses out with a strained chest muscle that also forced him to withdraw from the US Open.
Del Potro will be joined by world No. 11 Juan Monaco, who has often played second fiddle in the Argentine ranks to the likes of del Potro and Nalbandián.
Carlos Berlocq, ranked No. 45, is next in line for a singles call up, while Leonardo Mayer, ranked No. 62, looks likely to step in and provide cover. The team’s doubles specialist is Eduardo Schwank.
With Nalbandián absent and del Potro struggling for fitness, Czech Republic will fancy their chances of causing an upset and reaching their first Final since 2009.
As always, the visitors will rely on the experienced duo of Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek. The Czech pair are expected to play both singles and doubles.
The action gets under way at Parque Roca in Buenos Aires on Friday.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald