Roger Federer has enjoyed one of the richest careers in tennis history, dominating for years and collecting countless notable trophies. However, even he carries a match that still tugs him.
It's the 2009 US Open final, the night a fearless 20-year-old Juan Martin del Potro snapped Roger's New York empire and ended one of the greatest streaks the sport has seen, especially at this event.
On September 13, under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Federer and del Potro battled for over four hours before the young gun prevailed 3-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 to lift his only Major title.
A bruising five-setter pushed both men to the limit, and the less experienced one survived all the challenges to emerge at the top and terminate the rival's 40-match winning streak in New York.
In addition, Roger had won five straight trophies at this event before losing to Juan Martin. More importantly, he would never lift the US Open trophy again. Knowing all this, seeing him wish to repeat the encounter seems completely natural.
Roger entered the final with a pristine 6-0 score against Juan Martin. The Swiss stood two points from winning the second and fourth set, which means he could have easily sealed the deal in three or four sets.
However, the Argentine survived all the obstacles in his first Major final, introducing a decider and breaking the five-time defending champion's rhythm in the decider to write tennis history.
Del Potro came armed with a sledgehammer of a forehand and confidence following a crushing victory over Rafael Nadal in the semi-final. Federer served at only 51%, which ruined his quest.
Roger's initial shot abandoned him. However, he still provided 45 service winners. The more experienced player saved ten of 15 break points and generated 22 chances on the return.
Juan Martin worked hard and erased 17, remaining in touch before shifting into a higher gear in the decider. Over 15 years later, it remains the match Federer wishes he could play again, and we understand why.
"I would like to play again the 2009 US Open final against Juan Martin. That was one of the matches I should not have lost, and it broke my US Open streak," Roger Federer said.
