• Western & Southern Open

Del Potro heads into second round clash with Federer

ESPN staff
August 15, 2011
Juan Martin Del Potro has won his last two meetings with former world No. 1 Roger Federer © PA Photos
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An injury to Andreas Seppi allowed Juan Martin Del Potro to set up a mouthwatering second round clash with Roger Federer at the Western & Southern Open on Sunday.

Del Potro and Federer have history on American hard courts, after the Argentinean recovered from a 2-1 deficit to win the 2009 US Open final. A serious wrist injury swiftly followed for Del Potro, but now he is regaining something resembling his best form.

Unfortunately the Cincinnati crowd only got to see the world No. 19 for 26 minutes against Seppi, who was forced to retire injured. During that time on court, Del Potro had built a 4-1 lead and will be confident and fresh heading into the Federer showdown.

Federer leads the head-to-head 6-2, but has lost the last two meetings.

Also through to the second round is wildcard James Blake, who beat Marcos Baghdatis 3-6 6-3 6-2. Baghdatis reached last year's semi-finals but he had no answer to Blake, who stormed back from a set down.

The Cypriot had led 2-0 in the decider, but a loss of rhythm allowed Blake to rattle off six consecutive games to set up a meeting with the winner of Viktor Troicki and Fabio Fognini.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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