Del Potro shows his best form as he defeats Soderling.

Juan Martin Del Potro crafted his best performance of the 2011 season, dismantling No. 4 seed Robin Soderling 6-3, 6-2 on stadium court in the third round of the Sony Ericsson Open. The two heavy hitters started emphatically, each ripping winners on both wings to hold serve easily. The Argentine then made his move in the fourth game with three break opportunities. Though Soderling brought the game to deuce, Del Potro continued to generate incredible pace and broke the Swede on his fourth chance. Down 5-2, Soderling held serve after saving a set point with a much needed first serve. Del Potro proceeded to close out the set in the next game with a cracking forehand winner down the line. The 2009 US Open champion continued to make things difficult for Soderling, winning the first three points of the second set for an early opportunity to break. Soderling again clawed his way out of the 0-40 hole but del Potro was too strong, eventually breaking the Swede. A semi-finalist here last year, Soderling was unable to inflict any pressure on del Potro’s serve, failing to see a single break point opportunity throughout the match. A beautifully struck backhand pass set up two break points for del Potro at 4-2 and his conversion on the following point was a virtual end to the match for the deflated Soderling. The Argentine served out the match effortlessly, winning his third straight encounter against the Swede.

Del Potro’s fourth round opponent is Mardy Fish, the 14th seed. The American won earlier today over Frenchman Richard Gasquet in straight sets.