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Friday September 18, 2009

Del Potro seeks new goals after conquering the US

BUENOS AIRES: Newly-crowned US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro said he had set his sights on becoming world number one and winning the Masters after being given a hero’s welcome home to Argentina on Wednesday.

Del Potro, who turns 21 next Wednesday, upset world number one Roger Federer in five sets to lift his maiden grand slam trophy at Flushing Meadows on Monday.

Young fan: Argentine Juan Martin del Potro holds a baby as he meets his fans upon arrival in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. - AP

“It was a dream I had from (when I was) very little, to win the US Open, my favourite tournament,” the Argentine, who beat number two Rafael Nadal in straight sets in their semi-final the day before, told a news conference in Buenos Aires.

Del Potro said although it was hard to think of his next steps amid the euphoria and adulation of his momentous victory, becoming world number one was his dream and the end-of-season Masters tournament in London his next target.

“The Masters can be my next objective and it’s good that I’ve already qualified and don’t have to be making calculations in my next tournaments,” the world number five said.

“I’m just starting out but my new dream is to be world number one,” added del Potro, who was met by hundreds of fans jostling for an autograph or at least a glimpse of the champion at Ezeiza international airport on his arrival from New York.

Del Potro, anxious to get to his home town of Tandil 350km south of Buenos Aires to celebrate with family and fiends, said he was proud to be able to compete as an equal with the world’s best but had some way to go to catch up.

“Roger is still a cut above the rest and (number three Andy) Murray is having a great year. I’m trying to close the gap.” — Reuters

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