Roger Federer is considered by many to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time. However, that doesn’t mean he didn’t struggle against some of the top talents of his era. While battles with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are always top of mind, the Swiss Maestro also had notable rivalries with Argentine stars Juan Martin del Potro and David Nalbandian.
During his exhibition in Argentina in 2019, Federer was once asked which player had been tougher to face in their prime: Del Potro or Nalbandian. “I think Del Potro is a little bit more difficult to beat because of the serve and the forehand. It’s less in your control. Whereas maybe with David, with Nalbandian’s style of play, you still felt like you had a chance,” he told Tyc Sports.
“Even though the problem with Nalbandian was that he could make you feel very small and very bad because he would completely outplay you from the baseline with his incredible anticipation, his ability to fall back, and his understanding of the game. His transition game was also excellent,” the Swiss explained.
“But maybe just the sheer power that Juan Martin brings is harder to control, so maybe he’s a bit more difficult. But both guys beat me in very big matches and I respect them equally. I must say, I’ve enjoyed them but it’s been difficult against them,” Federer admitted.
Del Potro beat Federer on some great occasions, including the 2009 US Open final, in which the Argentinian won his only Grand Slam title. Meanwhile, Nalbandian was one of Federer’s early nemesis. Nalbandian beat him in their first five encounters, before Federer finally could find the way to defeat him.
Federer’s head-to-head vs Del Potro, Nalbandian
Against Del Potro, Federer played 25 matches. The Swiss Maestro won 18 of those matches, and the Argentinian beat him seven times. Apart from the US Open final, Del Potro beat him in the final of Indian Wells in 2018. Meanwhile, Nalbandian beat Federer on eight occasions, while the Swiss beat him 11 times.
While Del Potro and Nalbandian were some of his toughest opponents, they weren’t the only Argentinians that put Federer on the court. For example, some Argentinians that have a positive record against the Swiss legend include: Franco Squillari (2-0), Lucas Arnold (1-0), Federico Delbonis (1-1) and Guillermo Cañas (3-3).