Top 10 Del Potro Matches

[SamSpade]

In honor of the recent retirement of the Argentinian champion - Juan Martin del Potro. A career in some ways defined by the 'what if's?' - here is a brief overview of the exhilarating battles of ecstasy and agony that he produced. As always, merely an opinion. Additionally, this list is defined as Del Potro's best 'matches' - not his best wins, as that would indeed look much different. These totals are produced with some regard put toward the outcome, but not a large amount.


1. 2012 Olympics Semifinal -- v Roger Federer -- 36, 76, 1917 (L)
2. 2016 Davis Cup Semifinal -- v Andy Murray -- 64, 57, 67, 63, 64 (W)
3. 2013 Wimbledon Semifinal -- v Novak Djokovic -- 75, 46, 76, 67, 63 (L)
4. 2018 Wimbledon Quarterfinal -- v Rafael Nadal -- 75, 67, 46, 64, 64 (L)
5. 2016 Davis Cup Final -- v Marin Cilic -- 67, 26, 75, 64, 63 (W)
6. 2019 Rome Quarterfinal -- v Novak Djokovic -- 46, 76, 64 (L)
7. 2009 US Open Final -- v Roger Federer -- 36, 76, 46, 76, 62 (W)
8. 2017 US Open Round of 16 -- v Dominic Thiem -- 16, 26, 61, 76, 64 (W)
9. 2009 French Open Semifinal -- v Roger Federer -- 36, 76, 26, 61, 64 (L)
10. 2016 Olympics Semifinal -- v Rafael Nadal -- 57, 64, 76 (W)

 

[Gizo]

My personal favourite, not necessarily in terms of quality but in terms of drama and the consequences of the result, was the 2016 Davis Cup final comeback win vs. Cilic. As someone that has rooted for numerous Argentinian players over the years, notably Clerc, Mancini and Calleri, I really wanted Argentina to finally win their much coveted Davis Cup title.

That game at 4-4 in the 4th set, with Del Potro serving and being taken from 40-0 up to deuce, and then having a 1st serve taken off him due to a time violation, before firing down a big 2nd serve and holding, stood out to me.

 

[BauerAlmeida]

My personal favourite, not necessarily in terms of quality but in terms of drama and the consequences of the result, was the 2016 Davis Cup final comeback win vs. Cilic. As someone that has rooted for numerous Argentinian players over the years, notably Clerc, Mancini and Calleri, I really wanted Argentina to finally win their much coveted Davis Cup title.

That game at 4-4 in the 4th set, with Del Potro serving and being taken from 40-0 up to deuce, and then having a 1st serve taken off him due to a time violation, before firing down a big 2nd serve and holding, stood out to me.

This one I would definitely include.

Also, the Shangai 2013 semifinal vs Nadal.

 

[buscemi]

Great list + the Davis Cup addition.

The main other match that comes to mind is his AO 2010 match with Blake, which del Potro won, 10-8 in the fifth. I've never actually seen the full match, but the highlights show exactly what I expect it was: a battle of two big forehands:

 

[Galvermegs]

My personal favourite, not necessarily in terms of quality but in terms of drama and the consequences of the result, was the 2016 Davis Cup final comeback win vs. Cilic. As someone that has rooted for numerous Argentinian players over the years, notably Clerc, Mancini and Calleri, I really wanted Argentina to finally win their much coveted Davis Cup title.

That game at 4-4 in the 4th set, with Del Potro serving and being taken from 40-0 up to deuce, and then having a 1st serve taken off him due to a time violation, before firing down a big 2nd serve and holding, stood out to me.

He certainly took his time.. and it helped get federer in the wrong mental place in 2009. A very crucial part of that us open final although he wasnt given gifts most of the time.
I always tend to get on with it on serve and dislike inconsistencies with opponents playing speeds. I guess i would adjust for turtle time as brad gilbert put it.

I liked delpo well enough though. Was rooting for him in his 2nd us open final.