"I fancied my chances that year": Juan Martín Del Potro reflects on his most painful loss to Roger Federer

Juan Martín Del Potro recalled one of the most painful losses of his career, against Roger Federer. The 2009 US Open champion made history as one of the top contenders of the Big-3 and one of the great players of his era.

The Argentine surprised the world in 2009 by reaching his first Grand Slam final, defeating Marin Cilic (No. 16) and Rafael Nadal (No. 3) along the way— the latter by a resounding 6-2, 6-2, 6-2. In the final, he faced World No. 1 Roger Federer, who had won the title five times consecutively and held 15 Grand Slam titles up until that point.

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Del Potro, with one of the best forehands seen on tour, became a major champion at just 21 years old during the tournament. However, injuries always hindered his career, though he still managed to win 22 titles and reach another 13 finals.

The South American consistently performed well on tour when physically fit, although he repeatedly collided with Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Andy Murray. There was one particular loss that was the most painful for Del Potro, back in the 2009 French Open. The tournament’s absolute dominator, Rafael Nadal, was surprisingly defeated by Robin Soderling in the fourth round, creating an important opportunity for the other players with the exit of the massive favorite—who had already claimed four consecutive titles at Roland Garros.

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On the bottom half of the draw, Del Potro faced Federer in the semifinals, marking his first-ever appearance at that stage in a Grand Slam. The former World No. 3 was up two sets to one against Federer, but Federer mounted a comeback that gave him another chance to complete the Career Grand Slam, though this time without Nadal in front of him.

“Going down to Federer at Roland Garros in 2009 was very painful,” said Del Potro. “That was the year Roger became champion, though I also fancied my chances that year.” The Swiss Maestro defeated Del Potro by 3-6, 7-6(2), 2-6, 6-1, 6-4

In the final of the tournament, Federer claimed his 14th title, which would be his first and only one at Roland Garros, despite reaching four other finals, all losses to Nadal.

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