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Juan Martin del Potro smacked one of his fast and flat forehands so hard that John Isner hopped out of the way, lest he get hit.
When del Potro is healthy, and his shots are on target, he's as dangerous as they come on the sort of hard courts used at the U.S. Open.
Getting his game in shape ahead of the year's last Grand Slam tournament, the top-seeded del Potro solved Isner's big serve and pulled away for a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory in the Citi Open final Sunday, winning his third championship and 14th consecutive match in Washington.
"His forehand is widely regarded as maybe the best in the world," Isner said. "I couldn't do anything about it. I actually wasn't really surprised. I've seen him do that a lot of times. That's what he does. He's got a lot of talent, and a lot of talent on that forehand side."
Back in 2009, del Potro followed up a title in the nation's capital with a trophy at the U.S. Open, which starts in three weeks.
"Fantastic memories," the seventh-ranked del Potro told the crowd.
When the Argentine arrived in Washington this time, he came with some questions about his body and his game. He hadn't played a hard-court match since the spring. He hadn't competed at all in nearly a month -- a five-set loss July 5 to No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the longest semifinal in Wimbledon history, more than 4½ hours. And he hadn't fully tested the left knee he hyperextended in a tumble during a match at the All England Club.
"I'm surprised to win this tournament," del Potro said.
Read more http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/i...-potro-solves-john-isner-wins-third-citi-open
