A Fresh Take on a Classic Rivalry: Federer vs. Del Potro at the U.S. Open
Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro have a rich history at the U.S. Open, with their next encounter coming in the quarterfinals of the tournament. This rematch will bring back memories of their epic 2009 final, where Del Potro managed to claim his sole Grand Slam title against the then dominating Federer.
The 2009 encounter, with Federer leading 3-6, 7-6(7-3), 4-6, 7-6(7-4), remains a turning point in both players' careers. As Federer looked back on their past encounter, he admitted, "He's the only player I truly feel played better against me in that fifth set. I missed a 2-6 first set and had 2-1 or 3-1 at one point. It was a great match. The crowd was amazing. It started and ended in daylight."
Federer overcame Philipp Kohlschreiber in the previous round, but his thoughts quickly turned to his upcoming match against Del Potro. "It feels like a match I might want to watch again," Federer expressed regarding their 2009 encounter.
With Del Potro winning his own match against Dominic Thiem, the Argentinean is set to face off against Federer for the fifth time in New York—one of his favourite tournaments—with four match points under his belt.
Del Potro shared his recollections of that unforgettable 2009 match, stating, "I had one of my best matches ever at the U.S. Open, my favourite tournament, in front of a big crowd." The Argentine had even considered abandoning in the second set but later gathered momentum and pulled through to win.
Even though Federer achieved victory in the form of Roland Garros and Wimbledon titles, as well as the birth of his daughter, he wasn't particularly disheartened with the outcome of his 2009 loss.
Feed that competitive spirit within you with the riveting play-by-play of these nail-biting encounters between two tennis legends, Federer and Del Potro.
Del Potro's Triumph Reshapes the Landscape
Del Potro's stunning 2009 victory didn't only mark the end of Federer's five-year reign at the U.S. Open, but it also brought a wave of cheers for the Argentinean, who was then grappling with various injuries. "Delpo! Delpo!" the crowd continued to chant, acknowledging Del Potro's inspiring performance, even as he faced health challenges, requiring four hand surgeries.
The quarterfinals at the U.S. Open had an electric atmosphere for Del Potro, with the fans making it clear their support was unwavering. The Argentinean gained two match points in the third set against Thiem, before ultimately securing a hard-fought victory.
Del Potro proved he was not only mentally tough but also physically fit—overcoming the effects of strong flu symptoms that had left him feeling drained and unable to breathe easily, pushing through to secure a thrilling victory.
"This was one of the best matches in my career at the U.S. Open," Del Potro fondly reminisced about the historic victory. "I was exhausted after the last point of the match, but I am glad I managed to persevere."
A Classic Matchup with Unforgettable Moments
The upcoming encounter between Federer and Del Potro promises to reignite old memories while providing new moments of competition. Don't miss the opportunity to witness what is sure to be an exciting, nail-biting match.
Enrichment Data Integrated:
In the years following their memorable 2009 encounter, both players have experienced significant milestones in their respective careers. Federer's 2006 US Open match saw his first appearance in the main draw, although he was eliminated in the first round by Alejandro Falla.
Del Potro's first-ever appearance in the US Open's main draw in 2006 had an unfavourable outcome when he was defeated by Alejandro Falla in the round of 128. In 2009, however, the tide turned in Del Potro's favour, crowning him the US Open champion in a thrilling five-set final against Federer.
Regrettably, no upcoming matches between Federer and Del Potro are scheduled for the US Open Tournament. Both players have shared their decisions to focus on different aspects of their lives—Federer retirement from professional tennis, and Del Potro's concentration on his farewell matches.
In the grand world of tennis, these two exceptional athletes have cemented their legacies with their outstanding performances, leaving an indelible mark on fans alike.
