Juan Martín del Potro’s path at the US Open 2009

Juan Martín del Potro He was 20 when he consecrated in the US Open 2009. He had six “finals” before the final he won with authority and to get the 21 sets that gave him the title he gave four (two last day). Until today, he is the last non -European tennis player to consecrate in a Grand Slam tournament.

The Tandilense departed in the main box as the sixth preclassified and arrived after a great year at the level Major: Fourtefinalist in Australian Open, semifinalist in Roland Garros and the only stumble was the second round in Wimbledon. He gave the big surprise in New York, a contest with which he always dreamed the trophy. In addition, he was looking for the revenge of what happened in 2008, when he lost in a very tight meeting of rooms against Andy Murray, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (1), 4-6 and 7-5, putting an end to the streak of 23 consecutive wins that JMDP arrived at the time.

In the debut he played a 100% Argentine and Tandilense duel. Delpo He eliminated Juan Monaco without problems 6-3, 6-3 and 6-1 To get into the second round. In this instance he also exceeded runs to Jurgen Melzer: 7-6 (6), 6-3 and 6-3. And to complete the first week of competitions he had some ups and downs in the triumph against another Austrian, Daniel KollererHowever, he let his hierarchy closed by closing the match by 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 and 6-3.

In the round of 16, his first strong rival arrived, collided with the Spanish, former number of 1 and Roland Garros 2003 champion, Juan Carlos Ferrero: The times changed and the figure at that time was another, overwhelming triumph of Juan Martín in Triple 6-3. The next stop was Marin Cilic, a friend and route partner From youth. The 16th of the ranking was advanced so that the Argentine subsequently shows his best version and celebrates with a final score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 and 6-1.

The semifinals raised two games: Roger Federer vs. Novak Djokovic on the one hand and Potro vs. Rafael Nadal for the other. The Swiss dispatched the Serbian for 7-6 (3), 7-5 and 7-5, to achieve its sixth consecutive definition in Flushing Meadows. On the sidewalk in front, The Tandil Tower would give a coup of authority and reached his first Grand Slam final (Finally two would be, with that of 2018 also in New York), by crushing Rafa with a Triple 6-2!

The time came, the most important day in the career of one of the best South American players in history, who was only 20 years old and no experience in meetings of this caliber. In front, the consecutive heptacampeon of the United States and one of the greatest players of all time, an expert in duels of this relevance.

The beginning was expected, one of the foal with visible nerves and a roger who handled the situation with a high flight tennis and an enviable experience. However, there was a specific moment that changed the story forever: Federer to Servició 6-3, 5-4 (30-0). From there, four points in a row, with two final Drive Passings, to break the service for the first time and level the set. Juan Martín got into a match.

From that moment on, there were no differences in the match, to the fifth set, where the young Tandilense showed an overwhelming level, based on energy and fierce winners from the right, as in his entire career. After just over four hours of an intense duel, Delpo It was imposed by 3-6, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 7-6 (4) and 6-2, for the delirium of the entire Argentine people.

Thus, he would win the first and only Major trophy of his career. In addition, he cut a streak of 34 wins of Federer in the US Open, a contest that would never win again after this final. Years later, His Majesty He would confess that this defeat was the toughest of his professional life.