Del Potro's Epic Upset: The 2009 US Open Final That Changed Everything

September 14, 2009, is etched in tennis history as the day Juan Martin del Potro stunned Roger Federer to claim his first and only Grand Slam title at the US Open. Over the course of five sets, Del Potro emerged victorious with a scoreline of 3-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2, marking a monumental moment not just for him but also in the context of tennis, as he became only the second player to defeat Federer in a Grand Slam final, after Rafael Nadal.

Juan Martin Del Potro, US Open 2009 | © Panoramic / Tennis Majors

The Journey to the Final

Leading up to the final, Federer was a formidable presence, having just reclaimed the No. 1 rank after a few turbulent years marked by intense competition from Nadal and Djokovic. He entered the 2009 US Open in dominant form, having dropped only two sets in the tournament leading up to the final, including a straight-sets victory over world No. 3 Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Conversely, Del Potro had struggled against Federer in their previous six encounters, failing to win a single set. However, he had shown promise at the tournament by demolishing Nadal in the semi-finals with a surprising 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 display. His hard-hitting style and powerful serve made him a dangerous opponent, even if his past record against Federer loomed large.

The Match Breakdown

As the match unfolded in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Del Potro began nervously, dropping the first set 3-6. Federer swiftly capitalized on Del Potro's jitters, breaking his serve early in the second set and forcing the Argentine into a corner. However, Del Potro's resilience began to shine through as he fought back against Federer’s experience.

In the second set, a crucial moment came when Federer served for a 2-0 lead, but Del Potro found his rhythm and broke Federer’s serve with two explosive forehand winners. This pivotal shift restored his confidence and turned the tide of the match.

Del Potro went on to take the second set in a tiebreak, further fueling his momentum. Even when Federer claimed the third set, it became evident that Del Potro’s powerful serve and relentless determination were positioning him for a potential upset.

The match reached a dramatic climax in the fourth set, again culminating in a tiebreak. A double fault by Federer provided Del Potro with a crucial mini-break, allowing him to win the tiebreak and level the match at two sets apiece. The crowd could feel the intensity rising as Del Potro emerged with renewed vigor.

In the decisive fifth set, Del Potro broke Federer early to take a 3-0 lead, displaying remarkable poise for someone in their first Grand Slam final. With his serve firing on all cylinders, he demonstrated startling confidence by closing out the match with a service game to love, securing a historic victory.

Reactions from the Players

“To win in five against Federer makes it even more special,” said Del Potro after the match, reflecting on the intensity and challenge of defeating such a formidable opponent. Federer, gracious in defeat, acknowledged the mental strength Del Potro exhibited throughout the match, complimenting him on winning his first title against an opponent with as much experience as himself.

The Aftermath: Careers Altered

While September 14 marked the pinnacle of Del Potro’s career, it also foreshadowed the challenges ahead. Injuries hampered his progress in the subsequent years, limiting his ability to compete consistently at the top level. Despite reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon in 2013 and achieving notable victories at the Olympics, he faced recurring setbacks that would ultimately define his career. His inspiring run at the 2018 US Open, where he finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic, briefly reignited hopes, but injuries continued to plague him, culminating in an emotional farewell appearance in Buenos Aires in 2022.

In stark contrast, Federer’s career continued to thrive after the 2009 US Open. An intense rivalry with Nadal and consistent performances saw him claim five additional Grand Slam titles, bringing his total to an astounding 20 titles. Despite announcing his retirement in 2022, Federer left an indelible mark on tennis history.

Conclusion: A Historic Match

The 2009 US Open final between Juan Martin del Potro and Roger Federer stands as a significant chapter in tennis history. Del Potro's stunning victory not only crowned him as a Grand Slam champion but also redefined the landscape of men’s tennis for years to come. As the tennis world reflects on that extraordinary match, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and thrill that comes with the sport.

In retrospect, both players’ journeys from that moment illustrate the highs and lows of professional tennis, embodying the passion and perseverance that characterize the sport. Del Potro’s achievement and Federer’s resilience are testaments to their enduring legacies in tennis.