LONDON, ENGLAND: Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina celebrates winning the men's singles second round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain during the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena.
Photograph by: Julian Finney
Credit: Getty Images

Related Articles

• Federer crushes Murray

Del Potro has known Manchester City forward Tevez for years and hopes his fellow Argentine will be at London's O2 Arena for the repeat of September's US Open final.

"I spoke with (Carlos) Tevez on Monday. He told me 'try to win'," Del Potro said. "We have been friends for many years. I think maybe he is coming to my next match."

The 21-year-old, who defeated Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7/1) on Tuesday, must beat world number one Federer to guarantee his place in the semi-finals of the prestigious end-of-year event.

While Federer always poses a formidable challenge for any opponent, del Potro is unlikely to be intimidated by the Swiss star after beating him in a thrilling five-set final to win the US Open.

Del Potro came from two sets to one down to stun Federer in New York but he believes he will have to play even better to repeat that success against the Wimbledon and French Open champion.

"We're playing on a different surface and in a different moment," he said. "We are fighting for the semis. I have to play better than US Open if I want to win. But it is a good chance to advance to the semis.

"I learned many things from the US Open final but I don't know what will happen this time. Thursday against Roger, the match will be completely different.

"I have played three sets again and I feel a little tired, but I can play more matches. Especially against Roger. I need the victory if I want to be in semis, so I will fight like I did against Verdasco."

While del Potro has his tournament fate in his own hands, Verdasco is almost certain to bow out at the group stage on his first appearance in the season finale.

The Spaniard has lost both of his round robin matches and would need to beat Andy Murray on Thursday and have a combination of other factors fall in his favour to qualify.

"I feel I have played well but I also play against very good players," Verdasco said. "It is not enough to play good tennis to beat these guys. You need to play good tennis and also play very good in the very important moments and don't make mistakes.

"I will just go out and try my best (against Murray). It doesn't matter if I have a chance or not to qualify. I'm here to try my best anyway and to enjoy.

"If I don't have a chance to qualify, I will even enjoy it more because I know I don't have anything to lose."