Philipp Kohlschreiber has missed the biggest success of his career at the Million Tournament in Indian Wells. Despite his strong performance, Juan Martin del Potro was beaten 6:3, 3:6 and 4:6 in the quarter-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 event.
With a victory against the Davis Cup Champion of 2016, the former German number one would have qualified for the semi-finals of a 1000 for the first time.
Kohlschreiber had a sensational start: After the native of Augsburg foiled two break chances del Potros, he won the serve of the Argentinian with an exact forehand return to the line. However, the 3-1 lead was quickly over because “Kohli” immediately took the re-break.
Nevertheless: With great variability on serve and a lot of finesse, the 34-year-old veterinarian managed that del Potro did not find his rhythm. Kohlschreiber’s courage as a setback was especially impressive: Once again it was a crashing forehand return with which the world ranking 37. organized the 5-3 break.
After an accident in the backhand of the former US Open winner, Kohlschreiber had the deserved set lead in his pocket after 36 minutes.
The last two duels with del Potro, which Kohlschreiber won in Stuttgart and Munich in 2016, made it clear that he did not go into the match without a chance against the “Turm aus Tandil” from the outset. The previous six comparisons on Hartplatz had all gone to the South American.
In the second act it became clear that Kohlschreiber’s third round success against Australian Open finalist Marin Cilic was no coincidence. The number 31 on the seed list continued to believe in his chance and was particularly on the spot in dicey situations.
In comparison to the first set, which was moderate in his view, del Potro also pulled the reins: A quick drive into Kohlschreiber’s open forehand side resulted in the trend-setting break. After “Delpo” destroyed the chance for a re-break with all his class, it went into the decisive third set.
There Kohlschreiber showed signs of frustration for the first time, but at a score of 1:1, he still had four chances to break del Potros with great tennis. The Acapulco champion and tournament co-favorite had by no means had a bad day, Kohlschreiber simply presented himself in captivating form.
With a refreshing, partly gusty wind, however, del Potro was too strong as a recoil. Kohlschreiber did not give in, but could not use any of his four chances for a re-break – 4:2 for the Gaucho. The former number four in the world did not let anything burn and turned his first match point after two hours and eight minutes.
In the semi-finals, after his tenth consecutive win, del Potro will face Milos Raonic of Canada, who regained the upper hand against Sam Querrey in three sets.
Here the single tableau of the men in Indian Wells