Baseline Award: The most feel-good performance

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Baseline Award: The most feel-good performance

Juan Martin del Potro's 2018 was one any observer of the game cou

ByVan Sias

Published Dec 23, 2018

Across the last two weeks of December, Baseline will dish out awards for the greatest acts of 2018.

Remember back in 2009, when Juan Martin del Potro bludgeoned his way through the US Open to take what was then predicted to be the first of many Grand Slam titles?

As any observer of the game knows, the affable Argentine’s quest for immortality was knocked off track by seasons lost due to wrist injuries. Over the past couple of years, he’s been able to bounce back and in 2018, the fan favorite had his best campaign since that magical run nine years ago.

Being able to start off in Australia for the first time in several years was a positive sign. And shortly afterward, he went on a 14-match winning streak, which included capturing the first ATP Masters 1000 title of his career at Indian Wells.

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Playing a short clay-court season didn’t hurt his French Open chances as he made it to the semifinals there for the first time in nine years. The transition to grass was a fairly smooth one as he reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, losing to Rafael Nadal in one of the year’s best matches.

For Del Potro, balancing his schedule is crucial. A light slate of summer tournaments helped him make his mark in New York once again as he reached his second career Grand Slam final. The Argentinian entered the tournament at a career-high No. 3 in the world, hitting that high 13 years after first turning pro.

Unfortunately for Del Potro, a fluke knee injury forced him to shorten his season as he was preparing for a return to the ATP Finals. A favorite of the fans, and his peers, Del Potro’s return to the top of the game garnered widespread support. Provided his health holds up, he has the potential to add more feel-good moments in the future.

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias