Del Potro Talks Tears of Joy

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Clay-court tennis demands persistence.

An emotional Juan Martin del Potro showed the power of perseverance shedding tears after reaching the Roland Garros semifinals.

Watch: Nadal Into 11th RG Semifinal

In a clash of former US Open champions, del Potro defeated third-seeded Marin Cilic, 7-6 (5), 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 victory in three hours, 50 minutes reaching his first Roland Garros semifinal in nine years.

The fifth-seeded del Potro will face 10-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal for a spot in Sunday's final.

Since his run to the 2009 final four, del Potro has played Paris just four times while working his way back from four wrist surgeries.

The Indian Wells champion said gratitude for the fact he's healthy enough to play after so much pain prompted tears today.

"It's tough to speak now," del Potro said. "It has been a long time without a good feeling in my body. I have had three surgeries on my left wrist and I was close to quitting. I don't have any words.

"It's so good for my team and my family. I am so proud to be playing tennis. I feel at home here. Merci beaucoup!"

The third-seeded Cilic had reached the final in two of the last three majors, but del Potro extended his dominance of the 2014 US Open champion scoring his eighth straight win over Cilic to take an 11-2 lead in their head-to-head series.

“The match had a lot of attention," del Potro said. "And to me, getting to the semifinals in this tournament was incredible."

Photo credit: @Roland Garros

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