Del Potro stands firm against big-hitting Khachanov

Three hours and 45 minutes in *this* heat is no mean feat, but that’s what it took for Juan Martin del Potro to get past the uber-talented Karen Khachanov. The duo met just last week in Auckland, when the Argentine won in straight sets, but today was a different beast and he was pushed to the limits, eventually prevailing 6-4 7-6(4) 6-7(0) 6-4.

It was a bruising encounter, with both players combining for 113 winners, 73 of which came from the racquet of Khachanov. “He hit the forehand and serve harder than me,” said Del Potro, in near disbelief. “I feel I’m getting older for sure, these young guys are so strong.”

Come on now, Del Po, plenty of years left in that tank ;)