The only player besides Nadal and Djokovic to beat Federer in a Grand Slam Final

Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images During his career, Roger Federer only lost Grand Slam finals to three different players. He appeared in 31 major finals and is one of just three men’s players to win 20 or more Grand Slam titles, alongside Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Djokovic leads the way with 24 titles, while Nadal has 22.

Federer was defeated by both players in Grand Slam finals, but there was one other player who managed the feat as well. Juan Martin del Potro is one of three players to beat Roger Federer in a Grand Slam final Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images Federer’s first defeat in a Grand Slam final came at the 2006 French Open against Nadal, after winning his first seven appearances. Nadal would go on to beat him four times in major finals before the 2009 US Open.

Heading into that tournament, Federer had won five straight US Open titles and looked set for a sixth after reaching another final. This time he faced Juan Martin del Potro, who was appearing in his first major final. Federer had won all six of their previous meetings going into that match.

Federer led by two sets to one, but Del Potro fought back and eventually won 3-6, 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-2. Afterwards, Federer was asked whether he was surprised by how composed Del Potro looked for a player making his first appearance on that stage. “Well, I mean, I guess, yeah,” Federer responded in his post-match press conference.