Del Potro Knocked Out of Japan Open by No. 189
By wchung | 16 Mar, 2026

Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France celebrates after winning over U.S. Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina 6-4, 6-4 during their first round match at the Japan Open Tennis in Tokyo, Japan, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)

U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro has been knocked out in the first round of the Japan Open, losing 6-4, 6-4 to French qualifier Edouard Roger-Vasselin on Tuesday.

Roger-Vasselin set up triple match point with a crosscourt backhand then won the match when Del Potro’s forehand return was long.

Roger-Vasselin, ranked 189th, had nine aces against the fifth-ranked Argentine.

Top-ranked Roger Federer pulled out of the $1.2 million event, citing fatigue, along with third-ranked Andy Murray of Britain, who withdrew because of a wrist injury.

10/6/2009 2:48 AM TOKYO (AP)