Roger Federer has loved one of many richest careers in tennis historical past, dominating for years and amassing numerous notable trophies. Nevertheless, even he carries a match that also tugs him.
It's the 2009 US Open last, the evening a fearless 20-year-old Juan Martin del Potro snapped Roger's New York empire and ended one of many biggest streaks the game has seen, particularly at this occasion.
On September 13, underneath the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Federer and del Potro battled for over 4 hours earlier than the younger gun prevailed 3-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 to carry his solely Main title.
#OnThisDay in 2009 ⏪
Juan Martín del Potro defeats Roger Federer to make historical past within the Large 🍎… pic.twitter.com/Evkf2Hwe0k
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 14, 2019
A bruising five-setter pushed each males to the restrict, and the much less skilled one survived all of the challenges to emerge on the prime and terminate the rival's 40-match profitable streak in New York.
As well as, Roger had gained 5 straight trophies at this occasion earlier than dropping to Juan Martin. Extra importantly, he would by no means carry the US Open trophy once more. Realizing all this, seeing him want to repeat the encounter appears utterly pure.
Roger entered the ultimate with a pristine 6-0 rating towards Juan Martin. The Swiss stood two factors from profitable the second and fourth set, which suggests he may have simply sealed the deal in three or 4 units.
Nevertheless, the Argentine survived all of the obstacles in his first Main last, introducing a decider and breaking the five-time defending champion's rhythm within the decider to write down tennis historical past.
Del Potro got here armed with a sledgehammer of a forehand and confidence following a crushing victory over Rafael Nadal within the semi-final. Federer served at solely 51%, which ruined his quest.
Juan Martin del Potro, US Open 2009© Stream screenshot
Roger's preliminary shot deserted him. Nevertheless, he nonetheless supplied 45 service winners. The extra skilled participant saved ten of 15 break factors and generated 22 possibilities on the return.
Juan Martin labored laborious and erased 17, remaining in contact earlier than shifting into a better gear within the decider. Over 15 years later, it stays the match Federer needs he may play once more, and we perceive why.
"I wish to play once more the 2009 US Open last towards Juan Martin. That was one of many matches I shouldn’t have misplaced, and it broke my US Open streak," Roger Federer mentioned.
