5 biggest obstacles to a Fedal showdown at US Open 2017

#4 : Juan Martin del Potro (Federer’s potential opponent in the Quarter-Finals)

Juan Martin del Potro - the 2009 US Open Champion

This one is a fringe possibility if you ask tennis pundits, given the rocky run in to the US Open that del Potro has had. Humbled by Canadian teenage sensation Shopavalov, and eventual Champion Dimitrov in Montreal and Cincinnati respectively, del Potro has looked far from his intimating self of yesteryear in the last few years.

Battling injuries throughout the course of his career, the 28-year old has shown glimpses of his big-hitting younger years, but none too convincing over more gruelling best-of-five set matches. That being said though, if there is someone in Federer’s quarter of the draw who knows a thing or two, or five, about beating Federer, it is this man.

His career head-to-head against Federer stands at 5-16, but none of his 5 conquests would be more memorable than his come from behind victory against Federer at the 2009 US Open Final. It halted the then 5-time defending Champion, and Federer hasn't won the US Open since.

Del Potro is the only Grand Slam winner not named Nadal or Federer in the top half of the draw. He may very well not make it to the quarter-finals, but if he does, and so does Federer, expect big things from the 6 foot 6 Argentine!