Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro looms as a danger man at the US Open after barreling into the second round in straight sets over fellow Argentine Diego Schwartzman on Tuesday.
Plagued by a serious wrist injury that handicapped him since his rousing five-set win over Roger Federer in the 2009 US Open final, del Potro returned to form at the Rio Olympics, where he reached the finals before falling to Andy Murray.
The 6-foot-6 (1.98m) Argentine backed up his impressive Rio run by rifling in 11 aces in eliminating Schwartzman, claiming the third-set tiebreaker 7-3.
“I am so glad to be part of this tournament once again after three years,” said del Potro, who was given a wild card to join the main draw and said after winning 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (3).
“Always, in every match here at the US Open, the crowd make me feels special. I really like the atmosphere down there.”
Del Potro said he was still feeling the effects of his efforts in Rio, where he ousted world number one Novak Djokovic in the first round and number five Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals before losing to second-ranked Murray in four sets in the final.
“To be honest, I’m still feeling tired,” said del Potro.
“It’s not easy after a big, big challenge like I did in Rio. But this tournament is very special for me. I’m trying to keep calm, to keep focused, and look forward to go far.
“The people in Argentina, in my hometown, they know what (I) have been through to get there after my surgeries. It was a special moment for me. They really appreciate what I did to come back on tennis. They are proud to see me playing tennis again.”
Del Potro said he was close to quitting the game.
“After the first surgery, the second one, and in the end the third one, it was really, really sad moments for me,” he said. “Nobody knows what should I have to fix my problem.”
“My family and friends help me a lot to never give up. And I think I’m doing well now. The worst part of my life is totally in the past, and I’m living a good present and looking forward for a good future.”
Next up for del Potro will be 19th-seeded American Steve Johnson, who overcame Russian Evgeny Donskoy 4-6, 1-6, 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-3 to advance.

Del Potro gets Shanghai wildcard
Del Potro has been handed a wildcard entry into the Shanghai Masters following his battling silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The 27-year-old, who has been hampered by wrist injuries for the past three years, was beaten by Britain’s Andy Murray for the gold but had dumped out world number one Novak Djokovic and fifth-ranked Rafa Nadal en route to the final.
Del Potro reached the third round at Wimbledon in his come-back slam.
The Shanghai Masters begin from October 9.