SHANGHAI: Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro has enjoyed a meteoric rise since July but playing in this week's Masters Cup is just the first of two dreams he will fulfil this month.

The world No 8 will go straight home after the season-ending tournament for the world's top eight players to prepare for next week's Davis Cup final against Spain.

"For all tennis players it's like a dream to be here," said Del Potro after staying alive in the $4.45 million event with a 7-6, 7-6 win over France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Tuesday.