In fact, Del Potro defeated the “Big Four” 20 times in total, with at least three wins against each of them. Yet, when reflecting on his career, Del Potro doesn’t name any of them as his toughest opponent. Instead, he points to something far more personal—his own body.

During a press conference in 2023, as he made one final attempt to return to professional tennis, Del Potro shared a deeply emotional truth: “My toughest opponent was my body. I was never afraid to face the best”. His heartfelt confession resonated deeply with fans around the world.

“Today, my life is not super happy,” Del Potro admitted. “I watch Roland Garros and I want to play, but I have to listen to my body and accept that it’s guiding me toward another path in life. I was No. 3 in the world, then I fell, tore my knee, and I’m still talking to doctors to figure out how to heal,” he explained, reflecting on the devastating knee injury he suffered during the 2018 Shanghai semifinals against Borna Coric.

The injuries that defined Del Potro’s career

Del Potro’s career was riddled with injuries—16 in total. Two stand out as defining moments: his right wrist injury in 2009 and the knee injury in 2018 that ultimately forced his retirement.

The Argentinian faced four left wrist injuries and two to his right, along with back issues, abdominal strains, and thigh injuries. His left wrist injuries alone were enough to sideline him during key parts of his career, but the knee injury was the most catastrophic.

Even so, Del Potro never stopped fighting. In 2016, he made a triumphant return, capturing the silver medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where he famously defeated Rafael Nadal. But by 2018, his knee issues became insurmountable. Multiple treatments failed to alleviate the pain, ultimately forcing his decision to step away from the sport.

An emotional farewell in 2022

In February 2022, Del Potro bid an emotional farewell to professional tennis at the Buenos Aires tournament, calling it his “last dance”. After years of battling injuries, particularly his right knee, the Argentine stepped onto the court for one final time.

In a heartfelt moment, Del Potro was met with thunderous applause from fans as he fell in the first round to compatriot Federico Delbonis. Despite his best efforts to stage a comeback after multiple surgeries, the persistent pain in his knee made a return to the professional circuit impossible.

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).

Interestingly, it’s Djokovic who could entice del Potro back to the circuit. In a recent interview, the Argentine was asked about becoming the coach of the former World No. 1, and his response was surprisingly open.

“To be a coach, you need to dedicate yourself 100% and travel the world again. I did that for 20 years, and I’m tired. That said, if Novak asked me to work with him, it would make me very happy,” del Potro told Olympics. “I couldn’t say no to him, but I don’t think it will happen. The door isn’t 100% closed, but I believe my time as a coach will come later”.

Currently, Djokovic’s primary coach is Andy Murray, a retired tennis icon. This marks an intriguing difference between the two legends, who are both 37 years old and faced each other on some of the biggest stages in tennis history.

Del Potro believes Djokovic can win another Grand Slam

With 24 Grand Slam titles, Novak Djokovic holds the record for the most major wins in tennis history, ahead of Rafael Nadal’s 22 and Roger Federer’s 20. According to del Potro, that tally could still grow.

“I think winning a Grand Slam is something personal for him. He can win more. In terms of tennis, he’s the best. He has so much experience. If he stays physically fit, he can handle it all and succeed,” del Potro said. “It would be great for tennis if he could win another, like when he claimed Olympic gold in Paris. As long as he’s active, he’s the best”.

Djokovic’s most recent Grand Slam victory came at the 2023 US Open, a year in which he captured three of the four major titles, falling short only at Wimbledon. Since then, younger stars like Jannik Sinner (23) and Carlos Alcaraz (21) have claimed the subsequent five majors, though Djokovic reached the final of the 2024 Australian Open, a tournament he’s won a record 10 times.

“Djokovic is still playing. And for me, as long as he’s active on the tour, he’s the best,” Del Potro said in a recent interview with Olympics.com. “Tennis-wise, he’s the best,” said the Argentine legend, who believes Nole still has the energy and talent to compete at the elite level and win major titles.

“He has so much experience, and if he’s physically in good shape, for me, he’s going to keep trying—and he just might do it,” said Juan Martin, who also speculated about Djokovic’s main motivation to keep competing on the ATP Tour at 37: “I think he can still win more Grand Slams… Achieving that is something very personal for him.”

At the same time, the 2009 US Open winner made it clear he hopes to see Novak claim at least one more major title before retiring. “It would be something really beautiful for the tennis world if he wins again,” he said. “Like he did in Paris, winning the gold medal,” he added, referring to the 2024 Olympic Games.

Del Potro explains what made the Big 4 so dominant

During his prime, Juan Martin Del Potro competed against Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray. That made his chances of reaching the top of the ATP rankings nearly impossible. “A lot of us played well, but they make a small difference in the smallest details,” he reflected.

“It’s not just tennis—it’s mentality, physicality, character, the way they handle pressure. And for many years they did it better than all of us, especially in key moments or at big tournaments,” added Juan Martin. “If they’re playing at an 8 or 9 level on the tour, in Grand Slams they play at 10, and that’s where we couldn’t catch up because they are just that good.”

Del Potro on today’s global tennis landscape

Novak Djokovic is the last remaining member of a generation of players that dominated its era. Now, many young talents are competing to take that mantle, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and Del Potro weighed in on what the future may hold.

“It could be a good generation, but they’re still very young and it’s too early to say whether they’ll be that good,” explained Juan Martin. “What’s important is that they play really well and have the potential, but often potential and talent alone aren’t enough. You need hard work, discipline, and good health.”

Finally, the Argentine legend spoke about how the retirement of the sport’s biggest stars is creating opportunities for the next wave of talent. “Before, there were only six spots left in the Top 10 because the Big 4 was impossible to break,” he said. “Now that the Big 4, David Ferrer, Stan Wawrinka and I are no longer there, the Top 10 is changing a lot. There’s a big opportunity for everyone.”

Argentina has one of the richest tennis tradition, especially thanks to great champions like Guillermo Vilas, David Nalbandian, Gaston Gaudio, and of course, Gabriela Sabatini and Juan Martin Del Potro.

The latter two came together to speak with Roland Garros’ social media, and together they created their perfect tennis player. Of course, none of the members of the ‘Big Three’ were left out when it came to the men, and Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova were some of the picks on the women’s side.

On the ATP side, they chose Roger Federer, winner of 20 Grand Slams, for his serve and his elegance. Meanwhile, they picked Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, as the one with the “highest tennis IQ,” while 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic was selected for his backhand.

They also picked Carlos Alcaraz for best dropshot, and Gael Monfils as the fastest player. When it came to the forehand, Sabatini was clear: Juan Martin Del Potro. “If she says so,” the 2009 US Open champion joked.

WTA’s perfect player by Del Potro and Sabatini

When it came to the women, they chose 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams for the best serve, Aryna Sabalenka’s forehand and Ons Jabeur’s backhand. When asked for the best dropshot, Del Potro suggested Karolina Muchova, “who is very talented.”

For best volley, they chose Martina Navratilova, who won 18 Grand Slams in singles. The fastest player, according to Sabatini, was her biggest rival and friend Steffi Graf, winner of 22 major singles titles. “She was very fast,” she said. And, finally, for tennis IG, they went with Polish star, Iga Swiatek.

The parallelism between Sabatini and Del Potro’s careers

Both Sabatini and Del Potro are among the greatest players of their respective generations, and have very similar achievements. Sabitini reached World No. 2, remaining in the world’s Top 10 for 508 consecutive weeks, before retiring at only 26 years old. She is the first Argentine woman to win a Grand Slam, by winning the US Open in 1988.

On the other hand, Del Potro reached a career-high ranking of World No. 3, and won the US Open by beating Federer in a memorable five-set final. Both players were Olympic medalists, with Delpo winning bronze and silver, and Sabatini winning silver.

During a recent visit to the Miami Open, Del Potro was spotted cheering on Djokovic alongside Serena Williams. While in town, he sat down for a light-hearted interview with El Gráfico, where he joined fellow Argentine legend and 1990 US Open champion Gabriela Sabatini.

In the interview, Del Potro took part in a blind top 5 challenge—ranking greatest tennis players without knowing which name was coming next. Sabatini would name a player, and Delpo had to lock in a ranking spot without knowing who else was still to come.

First up, he placed Carlos Alcaraz at No. 4. “I’ll put him fourth just in case the other three (Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer) show up,” the Argentine said. “Carlitos is my favorite after them”. He then slotted Andy Murray into the fifth and final spot on the list.

That’s when the challenge took a twist. Up next was Brazilian icon Guga Kuerten, a surprise inclusion that disrupted Del Potro’s Big 3 podium plan. “No! Del Potro exclaimed. Guga can be third. Yes, Guga third”.

Then came Rafael Nadal, prompting a moment of hesitation. “Now I’m scared that number one could be anyone, but I’ll take the risk. I’ll put him in the number two spot”. Finally, Novak Djokovic rounded out the list—automatically landing at No. 1, a result that clearly satisfied Del Potro. “That turned out really well“.

Del Potro reflects on his toughest loss

While Del Potro’s crowning moment came in that unforgettable 2009 US Open victory over Roger Federer, he also came painfully close to adding Roland Garros and Wimbledon to his résumé. At the French Open, he reached the semifinals twice—in 2009 and 2018—while his deepest Wimbledon run came in 2013, when he fell to Federer in the semis.

Speaking in the French Open’s Memories of a Champion series, published on March 28, Del Potro revealed that his semifinal loss to Federer in 2009 still stings. “I have many memories, memories of winning tournaments, but also about losing important matches. Going down to Federer at Roland-Garros in 2009 was very painful,” he said. “That was the year Roger became champion, though I also fancied my chances that year”.

Argentine star Juan Martin Del Potro, former World No. 3 and 2009 US Open champion, was considered to be one of the greatest players of his generation, often giving tough battles to some of the biggest names such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. In a recent interview, Del Potro revealed one of his toughest losses.

Speaking to the French Open’s series ‘Memories of a Champion,’ published on March 28, Del Potro acknowledged that his loss to Federer in the 2009 Roland Garros semi-finals was “very painful” to him. “I have many memories, memories of winning tournaments, but also about losing important matches. Going down to Federer at Roland-Garros in 2009 was very painful,” he said.

It was Del Potro’s first Grand Slam semi-finals, and he lost 3-6, 7-6(2), 2-6. 6-1, 6-4. “That was the year Roger became champion, though I also fancied my chances that year,” he said. However, Del Potro didn’t have to wait much to have his revenge, as he then, famously, defeated Federer at the US Open final of that year, in another five-setter, claiming his only major title.

Curiously, Federer once said that if he could replay one match, it would be the US Open final. At the time, the Argentine put an end to Federer’s five consecutive title wins in New York. The Swiss legend would never reach another final at Flushing Meadows.

However, Del Potro and Federer faced each other many times on big stages. Another one of their well-remembered battles was their semifinal game at the 2012 Olympics, in which Federer won 3-6, 7-6 (5), 19-17 after four and 26 minutes at Wimbledon.

Del Potro’s head-to-head vs the Big Three

Del Potro officially retired last year, after struggling with varying wrist and knee problems. However, as we said, the Argentine star, who won 22 ATP titles, was often one of the few players that put the Big Three in trouble.

Against Federer, he has a 7-18 record. With Del Potro winning their last encounter at the Indian Wells quarterfinals in 2018. He also beat the Swiss twice in Basel, defeating Federer in two finals.

Against Djokovic, Del Potro won 4 matches out of 20, including the Olympic Bronze in Rio. Meanwhile, he defeated Nadal six times, including in two semifinals at the US Open, with the Spaniard winning 11 matches.

As a respected voice in tennis, the Argentinian didn’t shy away from weighing in on the GOAT debate. Del Potro declared Djokovic as his pick, putting the Serbian above both Federer and Nadal.

“Obviously, the numbers back him up,” Del Potro told ESPN. “Even Novak himself has said he doesn’t care for these discussions. But when it comes down to preferences, some identify more with Roger, others with Rafa. What Novak has achieved in tennis is obviously unmatched.”

Del Potro praised Djokovic’s monumental impact, not only on tennis but on the wider sporting world. “I’m not sure anyone can replicate it,” he continued. “When you look at his personality, his presence—it transcends tennis and becomes part of the history of sports.”

Preparing for a farewell match against Djokovic

On December 1, Del Potro will take on Djokovic in an exhibition match marking the final chapter of his career. The 36-year-old Argentine has battled a devastating knee injury that kept him off the court for extended periods, ultimately leading to his retirement decision.

Djokovic’s historic achievements

Novak Djokovic’s illustrious career includes a staggering 99 titles. His incredible longevity and consistency have not only set records but also cemented his legacy as one of the most accomplished athletes in history.

2024 (1)

• Gold medal in 2024 Paris Olympic Games

2023 (7)

• Australian Open
• Adelaide International 1
• Roland Garros
• ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati
• US Open
• ATP Masters 1000 Paris
• ATP Finals

2022 (5)

• Nitto ATP Finals
• Astana
• Tel Aviv
• Wimbledon
• ATP Masters 1000 Rome

2021 (5)

• ATP Masters 1000 Paris
• Wimbledon
• Roland Garros
• Belgrade 2
• Australian Open

2020 (4)

• ATP Masters 1000 Rome
• ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati
• Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
• Australian Open

2019 (5)

• ATP Masters 1000 Paris
• Tokyo
• Wimbledon
• ATP Masters 1000 Madrid
• Australian Open

2018 (4)

• ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai
• US Open
• ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati
• Wimbledon

2017 (2)

• Eastbourne
• Doha

2016 (7)

• ATP Masters 1000 Canada
• Roland Garros
• ATP Masters 1000 Madrid
• ATP Masters 1000 Miami
• ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells
• Australian Open
• Doha

2015 (11)

• ATP Finals
• ATP Masters 1000 Paris
• ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai
• Beijing
• US Open
• Wimbledon
• ATP Masters 1000 Rome
• ATP Masters 1000 Monte Carlo
• ATP Masters 1000 Miami
• ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells
• Australian Open

2014 (7)

• ATP Finals
• ATP Masters 1000 Paris
• Beijing
• Wimbledon
• ATP Masters 1000 Rome
• ATP Masters 1000 Miami
• ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells

2013 (7)

• ATP Finals
• ATP Masters 1000 Paris
• ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai
• Beijing
• ATP Masters 1000 Monte Carlo
• Dubai
• Australian Open

2012 (6)

• ATP Finals
• ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai
• Beijing
• ATP Masters 1000 Canada
• ATP Masters 1000 Miami
• Australian Open

2011 (10)

• US Open
• ATP Masters 1000 Canada
• Wimbledon
• ATP Masters 1000 Rome
• ATP Masters 1000 Madrid
• Belgrade
• ATP Masters 1000 Miami
• ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells
• Dubai
• Australian Open

2010 (2)

• Beijing
• Dubai

2009 (5)

• ATP Masters 1000 Paris
• Basel
• Beijing
• Belgrade
• Dubai

2008 (4)

• Tennis Masters Cup
• ATP Masters 1000 Rome
• ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells
• Australian Open

2007 (5)

• Vienna
• ATP Masters 1000 Canada
• Estoril
• ATP Masters 1000 Miami
• Adelaide

2006 (2)

• Metz
• Amersfoort

With Lionel Messi’s doubleand Angel Di Maria’s single goal, Argentina almost won the game within the 120-minute margin, however, Kylian Mbappe took his turn and scored three goals to even the score and sent it to the penalty shootout. With an astonishing performance Emiliano Martinez blocked one shot, whileFrance missed another one, as Argentina scored all four and left Qatar with the World Cup trophy in their hands.

At their arrival to Argentina, in Buenos Aires there were almost five million people all over the city waiting to see at least for a second their 26-man squad that won the Men’s World Cup tournament after a 36-year drought. The World Cup might have ended, but the fever and feelings are still here for more than one Argentine.

Juan Martin del Potro could return to play after Argentina won the World Cup

After Argentina won overCroatia in the semifinals, Juan Martin del Potro tweeted about the relevance Lionel Scaloni has as the head coach of the Albiceleste. “Scaloni’s human touch by placing inDybala, Correa and Foyth. Masterclass.” Del Potro commented. In one of the responses, a Twitter fan asked him if Argentina win the World Cup, he could play in the US Open tournamen in 2023. “I will do my best.” he replied.

So, after Argentina won the FIFA World Cup final to France after the penalty shootout, the ATP’s Twitter account head over to that tweet, waiting for an answer. Del Potro with a class actreplied, “I’ll update you in a few days!”. Since then, on Twitter many Argentinians have gone crazy about his possible return.

In fact, the last time Del Potro played at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in New York, he played in the final game against Novak Djokovicin 2018. He lost,stillwas his second best run in the US Open, after hisvictory in 2009 where he beat Roger Federerand clinched his one-and-only Grand Slam of his tennis career.

Murray, 35, is known for his successful tennis career, in which he has won Olympic Medals for Great Britain and three Grand Slams, among other titles. However, when he was a boy, he also played soccer and he was almost trained with Rangers Football Club at 15.

Despite deciding to play tennis professionally, his love for soccer has always been there, and he’s an open Arsenal supporter. However, when it comes to Qatar 2022, the tennis star has chosen to support Argentina and Lionel Messi. Here, check out what he said.

Murray share his admiration for Messi, Del Potro replies

Murray has been a vocal supporter of Argentina throughout the 2022 World Cup. He first tweeted in support of Messi, after the Argentine’s ten scored the first goal against Mexico. He replied to journalist Piers Morgan, who has been supporting Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, with a photo of Messi and the caption “oops @piersmorgan.”

However, after Argentina’s win over Australia in the Round of 16, Murray tweeted once again a compliment to the star. “Messi is the man,” he wrote. To which, Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro replied: “You know Andy!!!”. If you want to know how things can go in the World Cup, check out our 2022 World Cup simulator.

Murray and Del Potro are not the first tennis legends to show their support to Argentina in the World Cup. Victoria Azarenka went to Qatar to watch Argentina’s disappointing loss to Saudi Arabia claiming that watching Messi play was one of her “dreams.” She has also tweeted. Also, Diego Schwartzman also attended that match.

Enjoy all the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup matches from the United States through FuboTV. Click here and to take advantage of their 7-day free trial offer.

The Grand Slam champion said before the start of the tournament that this comeback “was more of a farewell,” as he hadn’t stopped suffering from the pain after undergoing four knee surgeries since he fractured his kneecap during his first round match at Queen’s Club Championship 2019.

It’s not the first time that Del Potro, 33, has had to fight a career-threatening injury, as he first had to operate his wrist in 2010, the following season after his incredible US Open 2009 win against Roger Federer. However, he came back to round an astonishing career. This time, it doesn’t seem like it.

Del Potro: ‘I wanted another miracle(…) even I have to lose sometimes’

Everyone was expecting him. The stadium filled with the familiar “oe, oe, oe, Delpoo!” chant, which has been missing at the big championships of the ATP Tour. However, the return wasn’t as expected, with Del Potro almost unable to move around the court.

At the end of the second set, he couldn’t hold his tears. And in the post match interview, he broke down: “It’s a moment that I never wanted to come. My health has led me to this. I wanted another miracle. I gave it my all. I will remember this day for the rest of my life. I carry in my heart the love of all the people. My last game was on the court…,” he said.

“I think I have fulfilled all my dreams in tennis and the most difficult thing to achieve is the love of all the people that I carry in my heart,” he explained, crying. “I tried to do another miracle like what happened with the wrist. I told my teamthat sometimeseven I have to lose and I don’t have enough strength. I gave it my all.”

He didn’t say he was retiring, but maybe he doesn’t have to. There’s still the possibility of him trying to play in Rio, but everything is still uncertain. The only thing that it’s secure, is that, if this is goodbye, he had a wonderful career: World No. 3,with 22 titles, including the US Open 2009, being the first man to beat both Nadal and Federer in a major; bronze and silver Olympic medalist, Indian Wells 2018 champion and a crowd favorite.