Argentine in fine form for Australian Open

Argentine Juan Martin del Potro served notice of his strong form ahead of the Australian Open when he crushed defending champion Bernard Tomic, 6-3, 6-1, in the final of the Sydney International on Saturday.

The 2009 U.S. Open champion simply overpowered the talented but inconsistent Australian on Ken Rosewall Arena, bringing the one-sided contest to a close with a booming service winner after 53 minutes to claim his 18th career title.

Playing near faultless tennis, Del Potro served with venom and unleashed powerful forehands and backhands that forced a string of errors from the overwhelmed Tomic.

“Finals never are easy, but I was surprise by my level tonight. I think I played great,” said Del Potro.

Seeded fifth at Melbourne Park, the 25-year-old looks to be approaching the sort of form that secured him his greatest triumph at Flushing Meadows before a wrist injury nearly ended his career.

Tomic, who faces world No. 1 Rafael Nadal in the first round of the Australian Open next week, admitted Del Potro had been “too good” when the pair shook hands at the net.

American John Isner earlier claimed his second Auckland Open title with a 7-6(4), 7-6(7) victory over an inspired Lu Yen-Hsun in a tight final in New Zealand.

Reuters