Del Potro will have to be at his best for clash against Federer

London: Juan Martin Del Potro knows he will have to do much more if he is to make it to the semifinals past Roger Federer at the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals when the two meet here on Thursday.

“Well, this is a different moment and a different surface as well and both of us are fighting for the last two semis. I will have to play better than US Open if I want to win. But it is a good chance to advance to the semis,” Del Potro told media following his fighting three-set win against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco late on Tuesday.

After winning the first set 6-4, del Potro shrugged off to lead 5-2 in the third after caving in meekly 3-6 in the second set against Verdasco. But the gutsy Verdasco had too much guile as he drew back to level terms 5-5 to force the tie-breaker which del Potro went on to win 7-1 and ensure his first win from two matches here.

On the opening day, del Potro had undergone similar fluctuations before going down to home favourite Andy Murray in three sets. “I knew that if I lost I would have to go home. But this victory has come at the right time and I get some confidence and I hope I can play my best tennis against Roger,” he beamed.

It may be recalled Del Potro defeated Federer in five sets at this year’s US Open to deny him a third Grand Slam for this season. But here with a dip in form and confidence the lanky Argentinean hopes he can raise his level adequately to counter the world’s best player. But he does hope he can utilize some of the lessons learnt after that huge win.

“Thursday against Roger will be completely different. He is playing like the US Open maybe I will do all the things to ensure I beat him anyway,” he added.

“I will have to take my opportunities against Roger, that’s what I will have to do. I don’t know what I will feel on Thursday, but I hope I can feel my best,” he said.