Del Potro fit for Czech date

Juan Martin Del Potro: Will play through the pain barrier for Argentina

Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro has been declared fit for Argentina's Davis Cup semi-final clash against the Czech Republic.

Last year's runners-up will tackle the Czechs in Buenos Aires with del Potro declaring himself fit to play despite a long-standing wrist injury.

The 23-year-old was forced to undergo surgery on the problem in 2010 but has decided to play through the pain barrier to turn out for his country on Friday.

"This is for the people more than anything," he explained. "It's sweet playing in Argentina and because of this I'll have to give my utmost."

On the opposition will be Tomas Berdych, the player who caused the biggest upset at the US Open by beating Roger Federer in the quarter-finals before losing to Great Britain's eventual champion Andy Murray.

Tough

Berdych knows that it will be a major challenge for the Czechs at the Parque Roca.

"We are playing an extremely tough opponent," he said. "We play in Argentina which makes the tie ever harder, tougher.

"We're playing on clay which most of us don't like but that's how it is. We will try to deal with that, try to prepare for it."

Argentina's team is completed with Juan Monaco, Carlos Berlocq and Eduardo Schwank while Radek Stepanek, Lukas Rosol and Ivo Minar finalise the team for the Czech Republic.