Juan Martin del Potro says he is playing even better than his 2009 US Open triumph after pushing Novak Djokovic to the limit in a gripping Shanghai Masters tennis final.
The 1.98 metre Argentine won this month's Japan Open and beat new world No.1 Rafael Nadal in the Shanghai semi-finals, before falling just short in a third-set tiebreaker with Djokovic.
But del Potro has shown he is primed for another majors assault with three titles this year and two Masters finals appearances.
"I think I'm playing even better than many years ago," the 25-year-old world No.5 said in Shanghai.
" ... I have reached finals in the Masters. I have already won three tournaments. I beat the top guys, which is fantastic for me.
"I think I'm playing even better than 2009 or 2008 or last year. That's a good thing for the future. I still have the same goal, which is getting closer to the top guys. If I keep working like this, I hope I can be there one day."
Before Tokyo, del Potro won in Rotterdam and Washington and lost the Indian Wells Masters final to Nadal. He beat world No.4 David Ferrer in the Wimbledon quarter-finals before losing to Djokovic in the semis.
In Shanghai, the stunning 6-2 6-4 victory over Nadal - handing the Spaniard only his fifth defeat this year - qualified del Potro for the World Tour Finals in London.
He said he was still not quite in the same league as the 'Big Four': Nadal, Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer.
But del Potro, the only man other than the quartet to win a grand slam title since 2005, is quietly confident he is not far away from their level.
"I think they are still the favourites for each tournament," he said. "But I believe in myself. I'm very confident. I'm very pleased with my level. I'm very honest with myself.
"I think if I'm healthy and if I play like today or yesterday, I will have the chance to play in good battles like we did today."
Speaking after their semi-final, Nadal said del Potro was one of the "biggest candidates" to win another grand slam.
Djokovic said there was no doubting the Argentine's quality, but his biggest problem was his sheer size and staying injury-free in their high-impact sport.
"Since his first grand slam title in 2009, we all knew he has the calibre to be a top tennis player and always a contender to win any grand slam he plays."
"With his serve and his game, for his height, he moves extremely well. He uses the court very good. He has a very good anticipation. He's mentally really strong.
"Now, for somebody his height, I think it's two or three times more physical effort to overcome these kind of matches."
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