After falling to Juan Martin del Potro in the Czech Republic’s opening match of the Davis Cup semifinals against Argentina at Parque Roca, Radek Stepanek suggests that Del Potro was exaggerating a left wrist injury. Stepanek told reporters that the Argentine was "absolutely healthy. Maybe he put together a bit of a stir before the Davis Cup, but he did not seem injured. He took advantage of all of his chances.”
Del Potro countered: "I think everyone could see how I played, I couldn't hit winners with my backhand. It's super hard to play like that but my serve helped me.”
Stepanek also critized the fans in Parque Roca, saying, "It is very noisy, our fans make noise, but I also think that the Argentines did not have enough respect to be quiet during out first serves.”
Del Potro, who reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open last week, broke down in tears after the match.
"How I suffer playing, just for you, a lot for you, I played to thank the fans for their affection, the support they give me," he told the crowd. "The important thing is for me to be here... We all have pains, more or less bad... I know the one up there is looking after me…It was very emotional playing this match. I enjoyed the moment, the decision to take a risk.”