7 Nov 2013

Del Potro and Wawrinka win first up in London

5:59 am on 7 November 2013

Argentine tennis star Juan Martin del Potro made a winning start to his ATP World Tour Finals campaign, coming from a set down to beat France's Richard Gasquet in three.

Del Potro had suffered a distressing journey to London after being robbed at Paris's Gare du Nord railway station, an incident which cost him his passport and a rosary blessed by Pope Francis.

The US Open winner, who lost to Roger Federer in the Paris Masters quarter-finals, finally subdued a lively challenge from 27-year-old Gasquet in two hours and 23 minutes in the opening Group B clash at London's 02 Arena.

The victory was crucial for fourth-seeded del Potro, who faces Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in his remaining group matches.