Del Potro lashes out, but without harming the grass
The Argentine tumbled out in straight sets to Ernests Gulbis.
Wimbledon's grass courts have certainly seen their fair share of abuse, but not from Juan Martin del Potro (at least not in this instance). The Argentine suffered a straight sets defeat at the hands of Latvia's Ernests Gulbis on Thursday, but controlled his frustration.
The two share the most unique forehand techniques on the tour, and somewhat similar comeback sagas.
Del Potro, a former world No. 4, is on his comeback trail from multiple wrist surgeries, while Gulbis is fighting to get back to the level that saw him reach No. 10.
The 28-year-old Latvian finds himself at No. 589 and needed to use a protected ranking to play Wimbledon this year. He has struggled some with a shoulder injury, but mostly with duplicating his Top 10 level from 2014.
While Del Potro has risen to No. 32, Gulbis' performance so far will only get him inside the Top 350. He's got a long way to go.
Still, the 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (3) win over Del Potro puts Gulbis into the third round, matching his career-best showing at the All England Club.
Follow Nina on Twitter: @ninapantic1
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