Second time lucky? Juan Martin del Potro wins fan vote for 2027 Tennis Hall of Fame

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 08:30

Del Potro playing in Center Court at French Open

Juan Martin del Potro has taken an important step towards a place in the International Tennis Hall of Fame after receiving the most votes from fans in the election for the Class of 2027. The former US Open champion finished ahead of three-time Grand Slam winner Ash Barty and former world No. 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova in the fan poll, giving him an additional boost in his bid for induction.

The result, announced by the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Monday, puts the Argentine in a stronger position as the selection process moves towards its final stage. However, winning the fan vote does not guarantee a place among the sport’s most celebrated figures, with the final decision also depending on a separate panel of tennis experts.

Del Potro’s popularity comes as little surprise given the impact he made during his career, both through his achievements on court and his battles against some of the greatest players of his generation. His 2009 US Open triumph remains one of the defining moments of his career, while his role in Argentina’s first Davis Cup title further cemented his place in the country’s tennis history.

For the Argentine, the fan vote represents a significant boost in his second attempt to secure a place in the Hall of Fame. The additional points could prove decisive, although he will still need sufficient support from the official voting group to reach the required threshold.

Del Potro receives boost in Hall of Fame race

The International Tennis Hall of Fame’s election process consists of two stages: a fan vote and an assessment by an Official Voting Group made up of tennis journalists, historians and Hall of Famers. Del Potro’s victory in the public poll earns him three percentage points that will be added to his result from the official vote.

Candidates must receive at least 75 per cent approval through the official voting process, including any bonus percentage points earned in the fan vote, to be elected. The additional points therefore offer Del Potro an advantage, but his induction remains dependent on the overall result.

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The Argentine collected 22 tour-level titles during his career and reached a career-high No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings in 2018. His achievements included a memorable run at the US Open in 2009, when he defeated Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals before overcoming Roger Federer in the final.

Del Potro came back from two sets to one down against Federer to claim his maiden Grand Slam title, ending the Swiss star’s run of five consecutive US Open championships. He also finished the 2009 season as the youngest player inside the Top 10, underlining how early he established himself among the sport’s leading competitors.

His career was repeatedly disrupted by injuries, making his accomplishments all the more remarkable. Despite those setbacks, Del Potro continued to produce major results, including a silver medal in singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a central role in Argentina’s Davis Cup triumph that same year.

Juan Martin Del Potro at Wimbledon 2016.

A second chance to secure a place among tennis greats

Del Potro’s 2018 season brought further highlights, including his victory at Indian Wells and his rise to No. 3 in the world. Those achievements added to a career defined by his powerful forehand, competitive spirit and ability to challenge the leading players on the biggest stages.

His Hall of Fame candidacy now enters a decisive phase. Although the fan vote demonstrates the support he continues to enjoy, the official voting group will determine whether his achievements receive the level of recognition required for induction.

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The Class of 2027 is scheduled to be announced in November, when Del Potro will learn whether the additional points earned through the fan vote have helped him cross the 75 per cent threshold.

For a player whose career delivered a Grand Slam title, Olympic silver and a historic Davis Cup victory for Argentina, the result of the final vote could mark another major moment in his legacy.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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