Roger’s been counting the years
Federer has dreamed about Del Porto rematch since Argentine halted his title streak in 2009
NEW YORK — Eight years after losing to Juan Martin del Potro in the US Open final, Roger Federer locks horns again with the giant Argentine in New York — still convinced he should have won the match that ended his five-year reign as champion.
The 6-foot-6 (1.98m) Del Potro was just 20 years old when he downed the Swiss legend 3-6, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2, but Federer believes he was the dominant force in that 2009 showdown.
“The only time when he was really better, in my opinion, was the fifth set. Obviously that was good enough to beat me that day,” Federer said on Monday after seeing off Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 to set up Wednesday’s quarterfinal with Del Potro.
“I left that match with a lot of regrets. It still feels like one of those matches I would like to play over again.
“I feel like I would probably win it somehow because I should have been up maybe two sets to love.”
On Monday, Federer requested a medical timeout after the second set against No 33 seed Kohlschreiber.
He briefly left the Arthur Ashe Stadium court to get a quick massage from a trainer before returning to polish off the match.
“It was more of a precaution. It’s all good. No problems there,” said Federer, who did not face a break point.
Federer leads Del Potro 16-5 in their head-to-head record, although his win in Miami this year represented the first time the pair had met in four years.
Despite his disappointment at losing the 2009 championship match, Federer said that having also defeated Rafael Nadal in the semifinals, Del Potro was a worthy winner.
Federer had already won the French Open, to complete the career Grand Slam in 2009, before going onto to win a sixth Wimbledon.
He also became a father for the first time.
“Making the finals here was actually a good run ... but it ended my five-year reign in New York,” he said.
Federer believes that had Del Potro remained fit he could have become world No 1 after that breakthrough.
However, the Argentine’s wrists became a problem and he went on to undergo four surgeries.
After his 2009 triumph, he missed a total of 10 Grand Slam tournaments.
At one stage last year, his world ranking, once as high as No 4, slumped to 1,045 and he even considered retiring.
Federer said he is happy to see the personable Del Potro back on tour — and the feeling is mutual.
“I admire Roger, too. Everybody loves him,” said Del Potro. “It’s going to be an interesting match. It will be the first time after eight years again in the central court of this tournament.
“I know how to play if I want to win, but it’s always is a pleasure to go up against the greatest player in history.”
The 28-year-old needed to save two match points to defeat Dominic Thiem 1-6, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (1), 6-4 in the fourth round, and admitted he had come close to quitting the match as a fever had left him with breathing difficulties.
“I felt tired, but we cannot do magic. I had to keep playing,” Del Porto said.