Juan Martín del Potro is an Argentine tennis player who rose to international prominence for his combination of size, power and sportsmanship. Born in Tandil, Argentina, he turned professional in 2005 and established himself as one of the game’s most physically imposing competitors. He is commonly known by the nickname "Delpo" and stands about 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in), which helps generate a heavy serve and forehand.

Career highlights

  • Grand Slam title: winner of the US Open in 2009, a breakthrough victory that ended a dominant era at the top of the sport.
  • Top ranking: rose into the sport’s elite, achieving a career-high ranking among the world’s top players.
  • Olympic success: earned medals at the Olympic Games, adding to his reputation for producing big results in major events.

Del Potro’s 2009 Grand Slam victory remains a defining moment: it showcased his potent baseline game and mental resilience on the biggest stage. Across his career he has recorded wins over multiple top-ranked opponents and produced memorable runs at Grand Slam tournaments and other premier events.

Playing style and characteristics: Del Potro is best known for a thunderous forehand that often dictates rallies, a strong first serve that creates free points, and steady baseline aggression. His movement is notable for a player of his size, and he is respected for his calm demeanor and sportsmanship on court.

Injuries and comebacks: persistent wrist problems required surgeries and lengthy absences from the tour, interrupting his momentum more than once. Despite those setbacks he staged several successful returns to high-level competition, demonstrating resilience and earning widespread admiration from peers and fans.

Legacy and notable facts: del Potro is remembered both for the 2009 US Open title and for his role as a leading Argentine figure in the sport. His combination of power and temperament, plus the dramatic ups and downs of his career, have made him an enduring and popular figure in modern tennis.

For further reading about his life, matches and statistics, see profiles and match histories available from official tennis sources and player archives: player profile, national sports pages and event records.