Wednesday, September 16, 2009
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New York: Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina battled back to beat five-times champion Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 and win the US Open title in a stunning surprise on Monday.
The 20-year-old Argentine, who stayed alive by winning two tiebreaks, gained confidence as he moved through his first career Grand Slam and charged to victory, breaking Federer in the last game to end their four-hour, six-minute struggle.
The 6-foot-6 Del Potro lay down on his back and covered his tear-streaked face with his hands after the 28-year-old Swiss sailed a backhand long on the Argentine's third championship point.
"I had two dreams this week," the sixth-seeded Del Potro said at the trophy presentation.
"One was to win the US Open and the other one is to be like Roger. One is done, but I need to improve a lot to be like you," he said, looking at Federer, winner of a record 15 major titles.
"You fought until the final point. You are a great champion.
"I'm very happy to be here with this crown, with these people, on this court ... This will be in my mind forever."
Del Potro became the second Argentine to win the US men's crown, joining compatriot Guillermo Vilas, who won on clay in 1977, and was watching the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Argentine had never beaten Federer in six previous meetings, losing to the Swiss master in the semi-finals of the French Open after taking a two sets to one lead.
Del Potro stuns Federer to win US Open men's title
New York: Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina battled back to beat five-times champion Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 and win the US Open title in a stunning surprise on Monday.
The 20-year-old Argentine, who stayed alive by winning two tiebreaks, gained confidence as he moved through his first career Grand Slam and charged to victory, breaking Federer in the last game to end their four-hour, six-minute struggle.
The 6-foot-6 Del Potro lay down on his back and covered his tear-streaked face with his hands after the 28-year-old Swiss sailed a backhand long on the Argentine's third championship point.
"I had two dreams this week," the sixth-seeded Del Potro said at the trophy presentation.
"One was to win the US Open and the other one is to be like Roger. One is done, but I need to improve a lot to be like you," he said, looking at Federer, winner of a record 15 major titles.
"You fought until the final point. You are a great champion.
"I'm very happy to be here with this crown, with these people, on this court ... This will be in my mind forever."
Del Potro became the second Argentine to win the US men's crown, joining compatriot Guillermo Vilas, who won on clay in 1977, and was watching the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Argentine had never beaten Federer in six previous meetings, losing to the Swiss master in the semi-finals of the French Open after taking a two sets to one lead.
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