DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — Juan Martin del Potro thrust his arms into the air, blew a kiss skyward and began tossing his sweat-soaked wristbands into the crowd.
This was one sweet victory for the Argentine.
Del Potro beat American Denis Kudla 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the Delray Beach Open on Tuesday in his first ATP match in 11 months following a left wrist injury.
Del Potro's win was a relief to tournament organizers after their top two seeds each had a quick exit. Kevin Anderson, the No. 1 seed and 2012 champion, was forced to retire from his match against Austin Krajicek due to a right shoulder injury.