Paris (AFP)
Juan Martin Del Potro (9th World) reached Thursday the third round of Roland Garros, but it is by moving on eggs that he eliminated the Japanese Yoshihito Nishioka (72) 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2.
For at 3-2 for him in the first set, the Argentinian hurt his right knee on a recovery support and the specter of a new injury to the joint he fractured last October in Shanghai appeared. Especially when after letting go of the game, he brought the doctor on the court.
Finally, he was put a tight bandage under the patella and resumed the game, first with great care, then running a little more. But without ever seeming very serene about his movements.
Fortunately for him, his big serve held the whole game. And even if he lost the decisive game of the 4th set, the Argentinean managed the break to lead 3-1 in the last set and did not let go of his advantage.
It is on a new series of overpowering forehands he concluded and let out a roar of joy after 3:46 fight, before falling into the arms of his brave opponent.
In the next round, Del Potro will face Australian Jordan Thompson (69th) for a place in the 8th.
? 2019 AFP