San Jose, California – And then there were three: Juan Martin Del Potro, Radek Stepanek and James Blake emerge as the quarterfinals competitors for the 2009 San Jose title with a purse worth $93,900.
Juan Martin Del Potro defeated qualifier Andrea Stoppini 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) in the first round despite suffering from jet lag, having just arrived from his native Argentina to compete at the SAP Open, the second oldest tennis tournament in the world. Del Potro managed to hit some power smashes but the young Argentine knew he performed below his usual game. “I can play better but that’s a good match for the start of a tournament. I was a little tired from the trip but I’ll be OK tomorrow,” he said. Ranked No. 7 in the World, Del Potro is the youngest tennis star among the Top 10. So far he’d lost only one match among the eleven (11) events he played so far this season.
America’s James Blake beat Vince Spadea, 6-3, 6-4, in his first round match. The win was a welcome redemption for the third seeded player since declining to play Monday at the exhibition match, citing back spasms.
Meanwhile, despite some trouble in the second set, fourth-seeded Radek Stepanek advanced in the game as he defeated Aussie star Chris Guccione 6-2, 7-6 (1).