Del Potro Reveals the Most Painful Defeat of His Career Against Federer

Juan Martín Del Potro looked back on one of the most painful defeats of his career against Roger Federer.

While the Argentine defeated the Swiss in the 2009 US Open final (3–6, 7–6, 4–6, 7–6, 6–2), ending Federer’s streak of five consecutive titles, he had lost to him just before at Roland-Garros.

After Nadal’s shocking upset against Soderling, Del Potro faced Federer in the semifinals. The former world No. 3 led the Swiss legend two sets to one but ultimately fell in five sets (3-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-4):

“The defeat against Federer at Roland-Garros in 2009 was the most painful. That was the year Roger became champion, but I also believed in my chances that year. Of course, winning the US Open and the Olympics were two truly special things for me.

After all, we know that in tennis, we generally lose more matches than we win. So after that semifinal, it was important to analyze the positives and negatives, to learn from my mistakes,” he said in a YouTube video posted by Roland-Garros.

In the tournament final, Federer claimed his 14th title against Soderling (6-1, 7-6, 6-4).