Former US Open Champion Juan Martin del Potro on Monday observed that the “big four” of men’s tennis remain the players to beat at Wimbledon this year, according to ATP World Tour.
“They have returned to be the Fantastic Four, as they have been throughout their careers,” the Argentine told the ATP World Tour website. “I think it’s something that appeals to every tennis fan.”
Since 2003, Roger Federer has won seven titles at SW19 followed by Novak Djokovic with three titles, while defending champion Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal have claimed two trophies each. The quartet has been named as the top four seeds for the first time since 2014.
The 28-year-old remained optimistic about his own chances: “I’ve always played good tennis at Wimbledon.... It is a tournament that always brings surprises in the first rounds and I think it’s also nice that we have the same top seeds that we had in 2009. They are at an excellent level.”
Del Potro, who is seeded 29th, has battled with wrist injuries in the recent past and is looking to put all of it behind him as he gears up for yet another campaign at Wimbledon. The 2013 semi-finalist is optimistic of climbing up the rankings. “I’m still there with an acceptable position (in the ATP Rankings). I’m still improving in my comeback. It’s a little out of the ordinary to what I’m used to in my career, but I’m calm and I know that my level will return,” del Potro added. He will face Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first round on Tuesday.