Juan Martin del Potro speaks out after surprise Madrid Open exit

Juan Martin del Potro insists hes remaining calm after a surprise defeat at the hands of Dusan Lajovic in Madrid and was keen to point out that this was just his first clay-court tournament.

The Argentine lost in a final set tiebreak, having been up a set, as the world No. 95 secured his first career-win over top-10 opposition.

Though he was disappointed with the manner of the defeat, Del Potro was not too hard on himself.

I think there are always positive things that you can take with you so that you can improve, he said after the 6-3 4-6 6-7 defeat.

Its been my first tournament on clay. I think that I played two acceptable matches. Lajovic is very good on clay, as Ive said.

I think it was an even match. I think I can improve a lot of things towards Rome and Roland Garros. I can level up my game. Right now Im quite calm.

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Del Potro insists he feels physically fit after his period of rest and hes keen to get some momentum ahead of Roland Garros with some good wins in Rome.

Im feeling good, he added. Its not the same to be training than to be competing.

Thats why I say that two matches perhaps are not too much. But for me its okay. I think I am getting some momentum.

Rome is another opportunity for me to feel good on clay, which is of course one of the surfaces which is more tricky for me because of the feet movement, because the rallies are a little bit longer. You have to try to make winners all the time more than other surfaces. You also need to have a big serve.

But Im playing well. Tomorrow I can try to train again, and I dont have to worry about anything physical. Im in shape.

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