Del Potro names the two forehands that are on the same level as his

Juan Martin Del Potro made a good start to life in the clay-court season, as he booked his spot in the third round of the Madrid Open.

The Argentine took a period of rest after some fine performances at Indian Wells and Miami but showed few signs of rust as he stepped onto court at the Caja Magica.

Damir Dzumhur was the unfortunate opponent who had to deal with the usual barrage of huge serves and booming forehands, with Del Potro showing little mercy in a 6-3 6-3 win.

After the match, he was quizzed over whether his forehand was the best on the planet.

And while he recognised his flat, powerful stroke is one of the most feared forces in tennis – he named Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as the two players whose forehands are on a similar level.

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I cannot say that my forehand is the best forehand on the tour, he said after his win against Dzumhur.

I think that Federer has a great forehand. And Rafa of course, too.

I think that we have three different styles of playing. The ball of the three of us flies differently. Some hit with more topspin, others hit flatter.

Particularly when I strike the ball hard, when the people cheer or shout, I just laugh because I have the control of the shot. Im also enjoying that the people enjoy it or that they cheer me on or shout whenever I do one of my good forehands.

The only bad thing is that some of those forehands go way out, and some fall inside the lines. I like that feel with the people, the connection I have with the people that are supporting me.

More: Tennis

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