The Enduring European Major Monopoly
According to Associated Press reports, exactly 90 Grand Slam tournaments have passed since Andy Roddick defeated Juan Carlos Ferrero in the 2003 U.S. Open final at Flushing Meadows. In the years since that triumph on home soil, no other American male player has captured a major singles title. Aside from Del Potro’s victory at the 2009 U.S. Open and his Argentine compatriot Gastón Gaudio at the 2004 French Open, every single men’s major championship across the globe has been claimed by a European player.
That lengthy European stranglehold was largely dictated by the dominance of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Speaking to media members ahead of the tournament’s semifinal action, Del Potro acknowledged that unprecedented era while signaling optimism for the next generation. “You know the history; it was the era of the ‘Big Three’ — something unmatched,” Del Potro said, as reported by the Associated Press. “But American tennis has the potential to break this pattern.”
Shelton’s Path to the Final
Shelton now faces Alexander Zverev in the final, holding an opportunity to etch his name into tennis history and snap the 20-year American men’s major drought.
Shelton’s journey to this stage included a grueling quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz, a grueling encounter that set the tournament record for the latest finish by concluding at 3:33 a.m. on Wednesday. That late-night thriller unfolded in front of analysts including Del Potro, who transitioned into broadcasting as an analyst for ESPN Latin America following his retirement from professional competition in 2022.
Del Potro’s Transition to the Broadcast Booth
Reflecting on his new role on the grounds of Flushing Meadows, the 2009 U.S. Open champion expressed gratitude for his reception in New York. “I’m so happy to be back in this special place,” Del Potro said via the Associated Press. “It’s always a pleasure to be here. They still treat me like a champion, which feels great.”
His introduction to broadcasting proved immediate and demanding. Del Potro’s first assignment on air featured consecutive men’s quarterfinals: Tiafoe’s victory over Alex Michelsen, followed immediately by Shelton’s record-setting marathon win against Alcaraz. “I don’t have the experience and it’s not easy at all, but I’m enjoying it a lot,” Del Potro noted. “My first day ended at 4 a.m.”
Injury Lessons Shared With Carlos Alcaraz
Del Potro’s own promising career — highlighted by his triumph over Federer at age 20 to halt the Swiss star’s bid for a sixth consecutive U.S. Open title — was heavily disrupted by injuries. The Argentine underwent three surgeries on his right wrist, one on his left wrist, and four separate procedures on his right knee between 2019 and 2021 before officially retiring at age 33.
Drawing from those physical hardships, Del Potro recently offered guidance to Carlos Alcaraz during the World Cup final in July. Alcaraz returned to competition at the U.S. Open following a nearly five-month layoff due to a right wrist injury, opting for conservative treatment rather than surgery that forced him to miss Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
“I told Carlitos to stay on that conservative path and not mess with his wrist,” Del Potro explained to the Associated Press. “My mistake was refusing to stop because I was fighting for ranking points in every tournament. Carlitos made the right decision; his wrist responded very well, and his body held up.”
Shelton will take the court against Alexander Zverev in the upcoming U.S. Open final, where the American will look to validate Del Potro’s confidence and finally bring a Grand Slam trophy back to the United States.
Worth a look
