Imagine: the weight of history, the roar of the crowd, and the crushing realization that a moment of dominance has slipped through your fingers. For Roger Federer, a titan of tennis who sculpted a career etched in gold, one match continues to haunt the corridors of his memory: the 2009 US Open final.
Federer, having already amassed a trophy cabinet overflowing with Grand Slam titles, entered that New York final as the undisputed king of the hardcourt. He was on a seemingly unstoppable streak, a force of nature at Flushing Meadows. But on that fateful September night, a young, fearless Argentine named Juan Martin del Potro dared to challenge the king.
The scene was Arthur Ashe Stadium, bathed in the bright lights and buzzing with anticipation. Federer, the seasoned maestro, versus del Potro, the rising powerhouse. What unfolded was an epic five-set battle, a grueling test of skill, endurance, and mental fortitude. The official scoreline reads: 3-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2, in favor of del Potro. But the numbers only tell a fraction of the story.
This wasn’t just any victory; it was a seismic shift. Del Potro’s triumph not only secured his first and only Grand Slam title, a career highlight, but it also shattered Federer’s aura of invincibility at the US Open, snapping his incredible 40-match winning streak in New York. Federer had reigned supreme for five consecutive years at the US Open. And this is the part most people miss…he would never again hoist the US Open trophy. Think about that. A single match altering the course of a legendary career.
Consider this: Federer entered the final boasting a perfect 6-0 record against del Potro. He had the upper hand, statistically and psychologically. He even stood within a mere two points of clinching both the second and fourth sets. Had those crucial points gone his way, Federer likely would have secured the victory in straight sets or a relatively quick four sets. But here’s where it gets controversial…some argue that Federer’s perceived invincibility may have led to a slight complacency, allowing del Potro to capitalize on crucial moments.
Del Potro, however, refused to buckle under pressure. He weathered the storm, showcasing remarkable resilience in his first Grand Slam final. He forced a deciding set and then, with a surge of adrenaline and raw power, broke Federer’s rhythm, ultimately etching his name into tennis history. The key weapon in Del Potro’s arsenal was his devastating forehand, often described as a ‘sledgehammer,’ coupled with the confidence gained from a resounding victory over Rafael Nadal in the semi-final.
Federer’s serve, usually a reliable weapon, faltered, landing at only 51%. This undoubtedly hampered his chances, though he still managed to fire off an impressive 45 aces. While Federer displayed his experience by saving ten of fifteen break points, he couldn’t fully capitalize on the 22 break point opportunities he created on del Potro’s serve. Juan Martin, through sheer grit and determination, erased 17 of those break points, keeping himself within striking distance before unleashing his full power in the final set.
More than fifteen years have passed since that momentous match, and it remains the one Federer openly admits he wishes he could replay. “I would like to play again the 2009 US Open final against Juan Martin. That was one of the matches I should not have lost, and it broke my US Open streak,” Federer confessed. It’s a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has experienced the sting of a near-miss, the regret of a missed opportunity.
But let’s be honest, can any athlete truly say they have zero matches they regret? Was it simply del Potro’s brilliance, or did Federer’s own game falter at the wrong time? Was this a turning point that subtly shifted the landscape of men’s tennis? What are your thoughts? Do you think Federer would have won had his serve been more consistent? Or was del Potro simply destined to win that day? Share your opinions in the comments below!