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Cape Town - Juan Martin Del Potro returns to the scene of his maiden grand slam triumph at the US Open.
In 2009, the Argentine announced himself on the world stage with a thrilling win over then world No 3 Rafael Nadal to reach his first grand slam final at Flushing Meadows.
Del Potro continued his dream run, overcoming Roger Federer in five-sets to claim the silverware.
"It's amazing to be back in New York," quipped the 27-year-old on the ATP World Tour website.
"Winning here made me feel like a true champion. There is something very special about being the winner of a tournament like this. It's a prize that is indescribable."
Del Potro has made a thrilling comeback after nearly being forced out of the game due to a series of wrist injuries.
His silver medal at the recent Rio Olympic Games and his status as a former champion helped him gain a wildcard pick for the US Open this week.
"To be as close as I was to never playing again and now returning to re-live these things is something spectacular," he continued.
"Maybe I enjoy it a lot more now because I know what it cost me to be here. With every corner I see, every place where I am, I remember the things that I did in 2009; where I prepared, the place where I celebrated, also the people that made me feel so great. I am very happy."
The Tandil native will open his account against fellow countryman Diego Schwartzman, a match he is not taking for granted. Should all hold seed, Del Potro is on course to meet Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals.
"I have to play against another Argentine," he confirmed.
"Obviously, in a tournament as big as this, there is no easy opponent even in the early rounds. To return to play another tournament after all that I experienced at the Olympics in Rio is not easy. I was very emotional. But I am in a place where I have incredible memories."
Since his 2009 win, Del Potro has played in just three Us Open's, with a quarter-final in 2012 being his best finish.
