US Open 2019: Roger Federer's 5 most painful defeats at Flushing Meadows

#1 2009 Final: Del Potro beats Federer 3-6, 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-2

Del Potro beats Federer in the 2009 US Open final

In his sixth US Open final in as many years, five-time defending champion Roger Federer was an overwhelming favourite against young Argentinian Juan Martin Del Potro.

Federer began strongly, taking the first set for the loss of just three games. Del Potro seemed overawed by the occasion as Federer seemingly took control of the match, serving for the second set and arriving at 30-0.

However, a contentious call at 30-30 perturbed the serene Swiss who lost four consecutive points to drop serve. Del Potro capitalised on Federer's lapses to level the match at a set apiece by taking the tie-break.

The Argentinian then broke Federer in the third set and led 4-3, only for the defending champion to respond by reeling off three games on the trot to take a two sets to one lead.

With the momentum now firmly in his favour, Federer was within two points of a record sixth title when he arrived at 5-4, 30-30 on Del Potro's serve, only for the Argentinian to slam the door shut and force a fifth set.

Federer ran out of steam in the fifth set under a barrage of heavy forehands from Del Potro, as the Argentinian ended the Swiss' five-year Flushing Meadows reign to become the youngest US Open champion since Lleyton Hewitt in 2001.