Del Potro survives Verdasco test, seals spot in US Open 4th round

Argentine Juan Martín Del Potro defeated Spains Fernando Verdasco in three sets to advance to the US Open fourth round.

With the backing of a vocal contingent of Argentinian fans under the lights at the Arthur Ashe stadium, Del Potro held off a stern challenge from 31st seed Verdasco to ultimately prevail in straight sets 7-5, 7-6 (8), 6-3 on Friday.

The game was littered with long, gruelling rallies in which the Argentine repeatedly demonstrated his impressive power with big winners at crucial times, especially in the second set tie-breaker, reports Efe news.

A break in play after that dramatic end to the second set seemed to sap much of Verdasco's remaining energy, as he never looked likely to mount a comeback in the third.

World number three Del Potro moves on to the Round of 16, where he will face Croatia's Borna Coric.

--IANS

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