The only player besides Nadal and Djokovic to beat Federer in a Grand Slam Final

During his career, Roger Federer only lost Grand Slam finals to three different players.

He appeared in 31 major finals and is one of just three men’s players to win 20 or more Grand Slam titles, alongside Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic leads the way with 24 titles, while Nadal has 22. Federer was defeated by both players in Grand Slam finals, but there was one other player who managed the feat as well.

Juan Martin del Potro is one of three players to beat Roger Federer in a Grand Slam final

Federer’s first defeat in a Grand Slam final came at the 2006 French Open against Nadal, after winning his first seven appearances.

Nadal would go on to beat him four times in major finals before the 2009 US Open.

Heading into that tournament, Federer had won five straight US Open titles and looked set for a sixth after reaching another final.

This time he faced Juan Martin del Potro, who was appearing in his first major final. Federer had won all six of their previous meetings going into that match.

Federer led by two sets to one, but Del Potro fought back and eventually won 3-6, 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-2.

Afterwards, Federer was asked whether he was surprised by how composed Del Potro looked for a player making his first appearance on that stage.

“Well, I mean, I guess, yeah,” Federer responded in his post-match press conference. “It’s always an amazing effort coming through and winning your first in your first final.”

“Got to give him all the credit because it’s not an easy thing to do, especially coming out against someone like me with so much experience. I think it’s not easy to have a steel racquet,” he added.

“Towards the end of course up 5-2 in the fifth. That was easy. But he had to live through some really tough moments earlier on in both breakers throughout those sets to come back,” said Federer about Del Potro’s composure.

Roger Federer’s message to Juan Martin del Potro after retirement

While Federer never added another US Open trophy to his collection, Del Potro also didn’t manage to win another major title after 2009.

Injuries took a heavy toll on Del Potro’s career, and despite multiple comeback attempts, he officially retired in 2024.

After playing an exhibition match with Djokovic in Buenos Aires, Del Potro actually received a message from Federer, who congratulated him on his career.

“You’re a special player and a special person,” Federer said about Del Potro.

“I hope this moment is one that you’re celebrating. You shouldn’t be sad. We all need to move on in life. The best is yet to come for you.”

Del Potro would only reach one Grand Slam final after beating Federer in the 2009 US Open final, losing to Djokovic in the championship match in New York in 2018.

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