Del Potro dedicated his Indian Wells win to his dog

In case you missed it, or misinterpreted it, Juan Martin del Potro did much more in Indian Wells than weather Roger Federer's ferocious forehands and furious exchanges with the chair umpire. He triumphed in a 6-4, 6-7 (8), 7-6 (2) classic against Federer, yes, but he also dedicated his Indian Wells title – his first-ever ATP Masters 100 crown, at that – to his dearly departed dog, Cesar.

Indeed, Delpo scrawled Cesar's name on a TV camera with a pen and launched a thousand (yea, a million) canine-loving hearts by then drawing a heart around it.

Cesar, a fluffy, dark Newfoundland, passed in February. A breed such as his is apt to live up to a decade in duration – far too short for any such furry friend.

You may think this sign of man's-best-friend love once again reveals del Potro to be the ATP's so-called "Gentle Giant" – and you would be correct. But what else Delpo showed in this championship bout was a tenacity and a will to not just survive, but to come out on top. Next, he'll try to repeat his dream performance at the Miami Open.

Follow Jon on Twitter @jonscott9.

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