Juan Martín Del Potro is currently serving as ambassador for the upcoming edition of Roland Garros Junior, allowing us to see him in some interviews where he shares some anecdotes from the beginnings of his career.
And we cannot deny it: we miss Juan Martín Del Potro a lot. Even more now, in a circuit where it seems there is no player from the second tier willing to break the dominance of the two clear leaders. The Argentine hung up his racket a long time ago, so now it is easier to see him at some promotional event or giving, very sporadically, some arranged interview. Looking ahead to Roland Garros, where he will serve as ambassador in the junior tournaments, the player from Tandil shared some interesting statements about his beginnings, the importance of the early years on the circuit, and the sentimental value that Paris holds in his heart.
Juan Martín Del Potro reveals who were his two main reference points
“I followed Marat Safin and Lleyton Hewitt a lot. I think Lleyton had commitment and a very strong personality on the court, he was also very pleasant. Marat had a playing style where everything he did seemed very easy. I grew up watching them, although I also liked Pete Sampras. Then I played in this golden era of tennis, and even though they were obviously rivals, I also had great admiration for Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and all my colleagues”.
Del Potro's advice for those starting out
“The values that players must have, as with anyone, are respect for work, for their coaches, dedication, effort, and hard work. I think that serves you well for a tennis career and to build your personal life. I believe that the tennis qualities develop later, over time, and are very personal to each individual. Undoubtedly, with those values, there are many possibilities for things to go well and for children to become professionals”.
The junior circuit, better without pressure
“This is a topic that is much discussed during the week, the pressure that children face because it is a unique opportunity to play at Roland Garros, to feel what it is like to be there in Paris. My advice is always to take it not as pressure but with joy and as a great opportunity that they are lucky to have. And while it is a great opportunity to compete at a worldwide level and play a Grand Slam and experience all that, if things don't go well, they will have many other opportunities afterward”.

Why is Roland Garros special for Argentina?
“For Argentine tennis history, Roland Garros has always been very special. Obviously, the 2004 final was historic with Gaston Gaudio's five-set victory over Guillermo Coria, where Guillermo Vilas also presented the trophy. I think that photo is very emblematic for our tennis. There has always been a natural connection between Roland Garros and South America, with a good connection to Paris, a very beautiful and elegant tournament, and the French public truly understands tennis, which also makes it very enjoyable”.
Cette actualité est une traduction automatique. Vous pouvez lire la nouvelle originale Del Potro revela quiénes fueron sus dos espejos cuando empezó a jugar a tenis

