Miami (US), March 24 (IANS) Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro advanced to the second round at the Miami Open after defeating countryman Guido Pella 6-0, 7-6 (7/4) and will now face Swiss No.3 seed Roger Federer.
Pella, who is placed 39th in the world rankings, reached the third round at Indian Wells last week. He raised his game in the second set and improved the efficiency of his service and gave a tough fight to his opponent, reports Efe.
Despite the strength of Del Potro’s service (87 percent of points won on his first serve), Pella was a tough opponent in the second set where they were tied 3-3 at one stage.
Del Potro, the former world No. 4, is now ranked 366th as a result of his long injury lay-off.
He is in only his third tournament since returning from wrist surgery last June, having reached last month’s Delray Beach semi-finals and had been ousted in the second round at Indian Wells.
Del Potro will now face Federer on Friday, also returning after undergoing minor surgery in his right knee after the Australian Open, in the second round of the Miami Open.