Juan Martín del Potro
The gentle giant from Argentina who shattered the tennis establishment's duopoly with a thunderous forehand and an even greater resilience.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Argentine tennis player·Birthday: September 23·Millennials
Biography
Juan Martín del Potro emerged from the small town of Tandil, Argentina, not just as another tennis hopeful, but as a force of nature. His career is a narrative defined by a seismic 2009 US Open victory, where he toppled both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, interrupting their long-held reign. That triumph, powered by a devastating forehand, promised a new era. Instead, del Potro's story became one of heroic endurance against a relentless series of wrist injuries that threatened to end his playing days. His multiple comebacks, each time rebuilding his game and spirit, endeared him to fans worldwide. The emotional peak came in 2016, when he carried Argentina's flag at the Rio Olympics and won a silver medal, a moment of national pride that transcended sport. Though injuries ultimately forced his retirement, del Potro is remembered not just for a single major title, but for the profound heart and power he brought to the court.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Juan was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Juan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Juan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Defeated Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer back-to-back to win the 2009 US Open, his sole Grand Slam title.
- Achieved a career-high world No. 3 ranking in 2018 after a series of major comebacks from injury.
- Won an Olympic silver medal at the 2016 Rio Games and a bronze medal at the 2012 London Games in men's singles.
- Led Argentina to its first Davis Cup title in 2016, winning a crucial singles match in the final.
Did You Know?
His nickname, 'The Tower of Tandil,' references both his 6'6" height and his hometown in Argentina.
He was the first player to defeat both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the same Grand Slam tournament.
Del Potro required four separate surgeries on his left wrist and one on his right wrist throughout his career.
He is an avid fan of the soccer club Boca Juniors and has been seen celebrating with their players.
““I gave everything I had to try and fix my knee, but it was not enough. My journey is over, but I’m happy.””
