Sports

Del Potro races past Baghdatis in Basel

Argentine top seed keeps hopes of Swiss Indoors title defence alive.

Afp October 25, 2013

The Argentine star, ranked fifth in the world, has not dropped a set so far in Basel, where he beat Swiss legend and five-time champion Roger Federer for the title a year ago in the Swiss player’s hometown. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

BASEL: Top seeded Juan Martin Del Potro moved closer to a successful defence of his title at the Swiss Indoors by beating Marcos Baghdatis for a third time this season.

Del Potro, who won 6-1, 6-2, will next face Paul-Henri Mathieu after the French player beat compatriot Michael Llodra 6-4, 6-3.

The Argentine star, ranked fifth in the world, has not dropped a set so far in Basel, where he beat Swiss legend and five-time champion Roger Federer for the title a year ago in the Swiss player’s hometown.

Del Potro’s victory in 72 minutes was his 45th win of the season. He has already qualified for the eight-man season finals in London starting a week from Monday but would find winning a second straight title in Federer’s territory a welcome boost.

“I like my level right now, I’m playing well but I’m still far behind the top players,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2013.

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