Del Potro Pulls Greatest Upset in U.S. Open History

Del Potro shocks tennis world, rallies twice to down Federer.

Roger Federer enjoyed 2,200 days of undefeated tennis at the U.S. Open – That streak ended on Monday as 20-year-old Juan Martin Del Potro shocked the world by coming back not once, but twice against the mighty Roger Federer to beat him in five glorious sets, 3-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2.

During the first 19 games of the match, Del Potro looked nervous and lost as if the occasion had completely overwhelmed him. His shotgun serve was shooting blanks and his blistering forehand was missing in action.

But something strange happened around 5-5 in the second set; Del Potro began to believe in himself. Suddenly the booming serve was finding its mark and the forehand began to do its damage. Del Potro evened the match and seemed ready to take down the five-time U.S. Open Champion.

But disaster struck for the young Argentine when he hit two consecutive double faults to throw away the 3rd set. But Delpo would not go softly into the night. He actually seemed invigorated by the loss.

He found his game once again and began dictating the points. Federer began to lose his cool and even pulled a Serena, using audible expletives in front of a national television audience while berating the chair umpire.

Delpo took the fourth set tiebreaker and handled Federer easily in the fifth set. The giant killer blasted Nadal in yesterday’s semifinal and stole the king’s crown tonight. So many great players have tried to knock off Federer during his five-year win streak, but it was bull from Argentina that finally humbled the number one player in the world.

Having followed the exploits of Juan Martin Del Potro all summer long – I was honored to pick Delpo as the man who would end Federer’s long reign of power at the U.S. Open when the tournament began on August 31, 2009.

Here’s a brief list of articles and links chronicling his run through the 2009 U.S. Open Championships:

Monday, August 31, 2009
Beware the Dark Horse from Argentina

Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Murray Melts Down, Del Potro Hungry for More

Saturday, September 12, 2009
Nadal-Federer Final? -- Don’t Count on It: 20-year-old Del Potro prepared to shock the tennis world

Sunday, September 13, 2009
Look for Del Potro to Derail Federer’s Win Streak

Isner’s Serving Barrage Blows Out Roddick

Another grand slam disappointment for Andy Roddick

One of the best chances in years for Roddick to add another grand slam title to his resume ended in disaster on Day 6 with a five-set loss to the six-foot-nine-inch tall American, John Isner, 7-6(7-3), 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 7-6(7-5).

Try as he might, Andy Roddick just couldn’t hold it together against the big-serving John Isner. Roddick clawed all the way back from a 2-sets to none deficit against the giant – only to blow it in the fifth.

Yes, Isner played the match of his life. He launched 38 aces into the night and knocked the cover off the ball. But that doesn’t excuse Mr. Roddick.

News flash: Multiple grand slam winners find a way to win. Andy Roddick didn’t. It doesn’t matter how well Isner played, Roddick had realistic chances to take this match, but couldn’t get it done.

Roddick went 2 for 9 on break point chances including a love-forty lead he let slip away in the first set on Isner’s serve. Andy only dropped his serve once in the entire match, but failed to exploit his chances and didn’t really get fired up until he was down by two sets to love.

I appreciate the sportsmanship when Roddick credits his opponents for playing great, but at some point during these matches, Andy has to take stock. He must realize that no matter how well a “lesser player” is playing – he should still find a way to beat them. Otherwise, he’ll finish his career just like Michael Chang, a great player yes, but still just a one-slam wonder.

This doesn’t take away from the fact that Isner played a terrific match, but he has as much chance of winning the title this year as my cat.

Andy was the best shot on the men's side for the red, white and blue at the 2009 U.S. Open, but once again, that train left without us. Oh well, there’s always 2010.