Del Potro celebrates win, Nalbandian out of Australian Open

The result was mixed for Argentina at the Australian Open today, as Juan Martín del Potro advanced further in the competition, while David Nalbandian fell under controversy and subsequently left the tournament in Melbourne.

The player from Tandil confidently beat Slovene Blaz Kavcic, in a total of three sets (6-4, 7-5, 6-3), today in Melbourne, moving him forward in the Australian Open.

Del Potro, who won the US Open in 2009 and who has plummeted to 11th place ATP ranking after a tough year in 2010, due to a wrist injury, convinced his critics in the match against Kavcic, aged 24, after the first round had left many in doubt.

On Monday, the Argentine player had lost a set in his triumph over French Adrian Mannarino. Again, he was off to a rough start in the mentioned match, starting off by losing 3-1, then later recuperating his strength leading to his win.

In an interview published on the Australian Open website today, Del Potro mentioned that he was “almost” in his best form, but remained optimistic about continuing throughout the competition following his prior injuries. The player from Tandil remarked the importance of “playing safely all game long and playing confidently.”

Meanwhile a furious David Nalbandian blasted the chair umpire for over-ruling a point and denying him a Hawk-eye challenge towards the end of his marathon loss to American John Isner in the second round of the Australian Open today.