STOKE PARK, June 29, 2017
Juan Martin Del Potro headlined the winners on Wednesday’s grass court action at The Boodles. Returning to Stoke Park for the second straight year, the 28-year-old Argentine, who will be seeded 30th at Wimbledon, appeared to have shaken off the groin injury that saw him pull out of Queen’s Club action last week.
Del Potro defeated Frenchman Gilles Simon 6-3, 3-6, 10-5 in his first match since falling to Andy Murray in the third round of the French Open.
“I feel fantastic,” the Argentine enthused after the match. “We were enjoying the match a lot, the atmosphere was really really nice. Everybody was waiting to see our match, and I think we did great.”
Looking ahead to Wimbledon, the Argentine, who returned from the sidelines with multiple years of injury and repeated wrist surgeries last season, is keeping things in perspective.
“Wimbledon is always a big challenge for me,” Del Potro said. “But I think I’m doing well this season. I could be better, but I had a tough draw in the last tournaments. I’ve been playing Federer, Djokovic, Murray and these guys in the first rounds.
“But I’m looking forward to playing my best tennis on grass because I like to play on this surface. And then if I’m okay and I feel strong enough, I can do a good tournament.”
German Players Victorious
Philipp Kohlschreiber, who advanced to the quarterfinals in Stuttgart, gave a preview of his form going into Wimbledon during his defeat of Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas in his first match of The Boodles this year. The World No. 57 from Germany won 6-3, 3-6, 10-4.
“Of course I have some players I don’t want to play in the first round, either!” Kohlschreiber said. “But it’s a big draw. I’ve struggled a little bit with my health this year, so it’s simple just to have the goal that I stay healthy for Wimbledon, and then I can give it my best shot.
“I know I can play very ugly on grass, even if I’m not the biggest server. But I move around very well, returning well. I think my variety in my game is my weapon.”
The final match of the day saw success for another German, as Jan-Lennard Struff beat Benoit Paire of France 7-6, 6-2.
Results – Wednesday, 28th June 2017
Denis Shapovalov (CAN) v Ricardas Berankis (LTU) – cancelled due to rain.
Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) d. Gilles Simon (FRA) 6-3 3-6 10-5
Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) d. Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) 6-3 3-6 10-4
Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) d. Benoit Paire (FRA) 7-6 6-2
