Juan Martin del Potro’s record vs Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer after 2009 US Open champion’s retirement

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Juan Martin del Potro, a player whom Rafael Nadal called ‘one of the best’, retired at the age of 36 holding one of the greatest ever records against the Big Three of tennis.

Few players can hold a candle to what Del Potro achieved on a court against Novak Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer. He even became the first player to beat Nadal and Federer during a single Grand Slam tournament en route to achieving his sole major honor at the US Open.

Del Potro arrived at the 2009 US Open as the No6 seed, yet beat No3 Nadal in the semi-final and No1 Federer in the final. It would be the Argentine’s sole Grand Slam title and one of just two finals. He lost the 2018 US Open final plus two French Open and one Wimbledon semis.

Injuries blighted Del Potro’s career and effectively caused his retirement in February 2022 at the Argentina Open after eight months out with a fractured kneecap. A series of knee and wrist injuries would also sideline Del Potro until his final time on a court in December 2024.

An exhibition against Djokovic in Buenos Aires marked Del Potro’s last game, with the 2016 Olympic finalist winning 6-4, 7-5 and bowing out with a forehand match-winner. The Tandil native hit a court for one last time in his native Argentina following two years of injury hell.

Retirement had been on the cards since Del Potro laid down his white headband at the feet of compatriot Federico Delbonis after losing at the 2022 Argentina Open. So, with Del Potro officially hanging up his racket, here’s his career record against Nadal, Federer and Djokovic.

Juan Martin del Potro had the second-best career record vs the Big Three of tennis

Only Andy Murray with his 29 victories secured more wins against the Big Three of tennis in Federer, Nadal and Djokovic than Del Potro with his 17 while the Grand Slam legends all still played. Dominic Thiem and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga ranked in a joint third place with 16 victories.

Juan Martin del Potro’s head-to-head record against Roger Federer

Del Potro shared a court with Federer 25 times between 2007 and 2018 but won only seven matches against the Swiss star. The Argentine never met either of Nadal or Djokovic as often as Federer. Del Potro will even be glad that one of those wins was in the 2009 US Open final.

Juan Martin del Potro’s head-to-head record against Rafael Nadal

While Del Potro only beat Federer 28% of the times they met, the Argentine beat Nadal six times through 18 meetings for a 33.33% record. The Spaniard proved to be the Argentine’s favourite foe amongst the Big Three, but also lost to Nadal in their only encounter in a final.

Juan Martin del Potro’s head-to-head record against Novak Djokovic

Djokovic proved to be the toughest opponent that Del Potro played among the Big Three of tennis. The Argentine only beat the Serbian icon four times during their 20 encounters for a 20% success rate. Djokovic even beat Del Potro in the two finals where they met each other.