Charlie Rose – Juan Martín del Potro

Posted on 19. Sep, 2009 by h0ausagi in Celebrities, Featured

2009 U.S Open Champion Juan Martin Del Potro talks with Charlie Rose about his match with Roger Federer.

About Juan Martin del Potro

Juan Martín del Potro ( born 23 September 1988) is an Argentine professional tennis player who is the highest-ranked Argentine and the fifth-ranked player in the world. He is the reigning US Open champion after defeating Roger Federer in the 2009 final.

Del Potro achieved a top 10 ranking by the Association of Tennis Professionals for the first time on October 6, 2008. In April 2009, he reached a career-high ranking of world number five.

In August 2008, he became the first player in ATP history to win his first four career titles in as many tournaments. He also completed the second longest winning streak in 2008, and the second longest by a teenager in the open era, behind Rafael Nadal—with his winning sequence spanning 23 matches over five tournaments.

Seeded sixth at the 2009 US Open, Del Potro began by defeating Mónaco and Melzer in straight sets, before dropping a set but defeating Daniel Köllerer to reach the fourth round. He defeated a resurgent Ferrero 6–3, 6–3, 6–3 to advance to the quarter-finals for the second consecutive year. Del Potro would then advance to the semi-final by defeating Marin ?ili? 4–6, 6–3, 6–2, 6–1. Del Potro was down a set and a break, before winning 17 of the final 20 games to win the match. His advance to the semi-finals ensured his return to the top five in the world rankings.

Del Potro won at 2009 U.S Open

He then defeated world number three and reigning Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal 6–2, 6–2, 6–2 in the semi-finals to reach his first Grand Slam final. This was his third consecutive victory over Nadal, and made him the first Argentine to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Mariano Puerta at the 2005 French Open. Del Potro went one better, rallying from down a set and a break to defeat world number one and five-time defending U.S. Open champion Roger Federer 3–6, 7–6(5), 4–6, 7–6(4), 6–2; this was his first victory over Federer after six previous defeats.

Playing style

Del Potro is primarily an offensive baseliner with a powerful serve and solid groundstrokes. His forehand shot is one of his main strengths and he also possesses a very consistent double-handed backhand. Despite his height, Del Potro is also considered one of the best movers on the ATP tour, able to move efficiently on various surfaces like clay and hard courts. Del Potro’s height allows him to get a powerful first serve, making it easier for him to return high topspin balls. Del Potro’s best surfaces are hard and clay, but generally his game is suited to all surfaces.