A couple of days ago, Juan Martin del Potro played the last match of his career in an exhibition versus Novak Djokovic in Buenos Aires. The 2009 US Open champion gave everything to extend his career following two severe knee injuries.
ADVERTISEMENT
He underwent six surgeries between 2019 and 2022 but without result. Del Potro has been dealing with pain while doing everyday things, and he decided to terminate his tennis journey while competing against his great friend. Juan Martin defeated Novak 6-4, 7-5 on a memorable day.
The Argentine made a name for himself in the summer of 2009, raising his gave to another level and crowning that with the US Open title. Juan Martin ousted Roger Federer in the title clash, earning his spot among tennis immortals at 21.
Nine years later, del Potro embraced his last notable run at Majors, you guess, at the US Open. It was a memorable year for the Argentine, winning his first Masters 1000 title and becoming world no. 3. Juan Martin's penultimate Major tournament almost ended with a trophy.
ADVERTISEMENT
This is a story of his 2018 US Open run, a victory over Rafael Nadal and another notable duel against Novak Djokovic.
Juan Martin del Potro's 2018 US Open brilliance
Del Potro embraced injury-free season in the first nine months of 2018, leaving the setbacks behind and producing his best tennis. He fell to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros and Wimbledon and entered the US Open with high hopes. The champion from nine years ago made a reliable start.
Juan Martin used a favorable start and ousted Donald Young and Denis Kudla for a place in the third round. The Argentine needed almost three hours to defeat Fernando Verdasco, playing better in the pivotal moments and reaching the last 16 without losing a set.
ADVERTISEMENT
Del Potro faced Borna Coric in the fourth round and earned a dominant 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 victory. Juan Martin dropped serve once and took charge on the return, providing six breaks and controlling the scoreboard. World no. 11 John Isner kept del Potro on the court for three and a half hours.
The American claimed the opener in the tie break and reached another in the third. Juan Martin served well, denying all three break points and claiming sets two, three and four en route to a solid victory and a place in the semi-final. Thus, he collected two Major semi-finals in a season for the first time since 2009.
Del Potro passes injured Nadal
A year ago, Rafael Nadal ousted Juan Martin del Potro in the US Open semi-final. The Argentine served revenge this time, leading 7-6, 6-2 before the Spaniard retired due to knee injury. Nadal battled past Dominic Thiem in almost five hours in the quarter-final.
The Spaniard could not recover for the semi-final duel, fighting hard in the opener before losing ground and suffering the fourth loss of the season. They pushed each other to the limits in the opening set, hitting more winners than unforced errors and keeping the crowd entertained.
ADVERTISEMENT
They traded breaks at the beginning of the duel and produced six comfortable holds for 4-4. The Argentine provided another break in the ninth game and served for the opener at 5-4. Nadal denied two break points and pulled the break back for more drama.
They served well in games 11 and 12 and introduced a tie break. Juan Martin claimed it 7-3, moving in front and gathering a massive boost. Nadal lost steam and struggled in the second set. He played against nine break points and suffered breaks in games four and eight.
Del Potro claimed the set 6-2, and his rival retired to propel him into the first Major final in nine years.
Juan Martin loses the final to Novak Djokovic
Chasing his second Major title, Juan Martin faced Novak Djokovic in the final. The Serb scored a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 victory in three hours and 15 minutes, clinching his third US Open trophy and matching Pete Sampras' 14 Major titles. Juan Martin dropped one set en route to the final.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, he could extend the winning streak and beat an in-form legend despite a great effort. Djokovic shined in every segment, taming his strokes nicely and overpowering del Potro. Novak faced six break points and suffered two breaks, mounting the pressure on the other side.
The Serb took 39% of the return points and turned them to four breaks from seven opportunities. They hit 30 winners, and Juan Martin plagued his chances with almost 50 unforced errors. He could not defend his backhand, and Novak denied the rival's forehand attacks.
They served well in the first seven games of the opener. Djokovic secured a break in game eight and wrapped up the first part of the duel with a hold a few minutes later for 6-3. They battled for over 90 minutes in the second set, making it one of the most extended ones in the Major finals.
ADVERTISEMENT
Novak clinched a break in the third game and forged a 3-1 advantage. Juan Martin bounced back in game six, delivering his first break and locking the result at 3-3. Djokovic faced the ultimate challenge at 3-4. He denied three break points and held after 20 minutes for a boost of confidence.
They served well in the last four games and introduced a tie break. It started with four mini-breaks in the opening five points. They stayed locked up at 4-4 before Juan Martin sprayed a massive forehand error. The Serb claimed two points on serve, securing the breaker 7-4 and building a massive advantage.
Djokovic provided a break in the fourth game of the third set, moving closer to the finish line. However, del Potro pulled it back in the next one, reducing the gap and extending his chances. Novak kept his composure and delivered another break in game eight that sent him 5-3 up.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Serb served for the title at 5-3 and sealed the deal with a smash winner, earning his second straight Major and writing history books.
