Rafael Nadal is predicting big things from Juan Martin Del Potro next season after the pair's titanic battle in the Davis Cup final.
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Twelve months ago many were wondering whether Del Potro still had a future at the top of men's tennis after the wrist injury which kept him out for virtually all of the 2010 season. However the 6'6 former US Open champion has rebounded with a vengeance over the past year, storming back up the rankings to 11 in the world and leading his country to another Davis Cup final.
On clay and at home, Spain fear few opponents but Del Potro is one of them. And with good reason. He came desperately close to beating David Ferrer on the opening day, losing at epic five setter and he brought the very best out of Nadal during a pulsating reverse singles clash.
It left Nadal in no doubt that Del Potro will soon be back up among the very elite in men's tennis.
"Del Potro has a very high level as a player. He makes incredible shots like no one else," the world number two said. "He is a very good player. It's clear that he's a candidate for No. 1. He will be among the first four players in the world next year. He's a very complete player. He doesn't have any cracks in his game. He's very solid. He will be unstoppable next year if his (wrist) injury allows him."
