Del Potro's title is a small start

Juan Martin del Potro played down expectations after claiming his first title since the 2009 US Open.

The 22-year-old missed most of last season because of a wrist injury but beat Janko Tipsarevic 6-4, 6-4 in the final of the Delray Beach Championships last night.

On winning the decisive point in Florida, Del Potro thrust his arms into the air and kept kissing his wrist.

"Three months ago I was just thinking about trying to play tournaments," Del Potro said. "Now I've won one."

The Argentine has shot up from 166 to 89 in the world after beating the Serb, who is now No45 in the rankings.

"I don't know if I'm ready to fight with top-10 players, but I'm working very hard," said Del Potro. "I need 20 to 25 matches before I'll really be ready to play with them."