Juan Martín del Potro Reflects on His Historic 2009 US open Victory Over Roger Federer
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Juan Martín del Potro’s stunning victory over Roger Federer at teh 2009 US Open remains a pivotal moment in tennis history. The argentine’s triumph, achieved with a score of 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, marked his only Grand Slam title and disrupted the dominance of the “big Three.” In a recent interview with ESPN,del Potro revisited that unforgettable day in New York,detailing the pressure,the pivotal moments,and the lasting impact of the win.
The Match That Changed Everything
Del Potro, then just 20 years old, faced a formidable opponent in Federer, who was aiming for his sixth US Open title. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, characterized by dramatic shifts in momentum. Del Potro recalled the intense pressure he felt, particularly when leading 5-2 in the fourth set.
“When you win a Grand Slam tournament, everything changes radically. Even in terms of contracts: sometimes you have to go somewhere and participate in events,” del Potro explained to ESPN.He highlighted how the victory opened doors to new opportunities and increased demands on his time.
The fifth set proved crucial. Del Potro secured a vital break to take a commanding lead, ultimately closing out the match and securing his place in tennis history. He reflected on the importance of that break, stating, “Closing the match, the final, against Federer, on my serve to win my first Grand Slam with such pressure… I don’t know if I could have handled it. So I put all my energy into it. It was now or never.”
Lasting Memories and Continued Impact
Sixteen years later, del Potro still feels the echoes of that victory.He described the emotional connection he maintains with the tournament and the people involved. “Now, when I come to the tournament, I am reminded every moment: the people who work there are always the same, and everyone comes to see me,” he said.
The win against Federer was particularly special as it was a rare upset against a player who had previously dominated the sport.Del Potro noted, “It was a special tournament for me and everyone who was there at the time, because it was a match against Federer, and nothing like it has happened again since. I still get chills when I think about it.”
The Aftermath and Challenges
While the 2009 US Open victory was a career highlight, del Potro’s career was subsequently hampered by a series of injuries. despite this, he remained a competitive force in the tennis world, reaching a career-high ranking of No.3. He has faced numerous setbacks, including wrist and knee injuries, requiring multiple surgeries and extended periods of rehabilitation. https://www.atptour.com/en/news/del-potro-reflects-on-us-open-win
Key Takeaways
* A Defining Moment: Del Potro’s 2009 US Open victory was a watershed moment,marking his only Grand Slam title and disrupting the dominance of Roger Federer.
* Pressure and Resilience: The match was characterized by intense pressure, particularly in the crucial fifth set, which del Potro navigated with remarkable resilience.
* Lasting Impact: The victory continues to resonate with del Potro and those who witnessed it, creating a lasting legacy in tennis history.
* challenges Post-Victory: Despite the triumph,del Potro faced significant challenges due to injuries,impacting his ability to consistently compete at the highest level.
Del Potro’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring impact of a single, unforgettable moment. While injuries have presented obstacles throughout his career, his 2009 US Open victory remains a shining example of his talent and determination, and a cherished memory for tennis fans worldwide.
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