The mere mention of the US Open brings a smile to Juan Martin del Potro’s face.

After all, it’s the Grand Slam where the towering Argentinean enjoyed his greatest success.

Fourteen years ago, del Potro announced his arrival on tennis’ biggest stage, taking down Rafael Nadal in the semis and then rallying past Roger Federer in the championship match to capture his first and only major title.

No player had ever beaten both superstars in the same Grand Slam tournament before.

More than a decade after his signature moment, del Potro can’t stop raving about the American major.

“Everybody who asks about tennis, I will talk about the US Open,” del Potro told theScore ahead of this season’s final Grand Slam. “I will recommend tennis fans to watch the US Open. To travel to the US Open. I had my best memories ever in tennis … at the tournament.”

Injuries have largely prevented del Potro from recapturing that magic. A recurring knee issue has limited the 22-time ATP singles titlist to just one match since 2019, though he hasn’t definitively ruled out a return.

Del Potro’s time away from the game has allowed him to explore other avenues outside of tennis, including a brand ambassador role with Maestro Dobel Tequila.

The former World No. 3 has worked with the Mexican brand at the Miami Open and most recently at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.

Del Potro is the latest tennis player to collaborate with Maestro Dobel, whose roster also features top-ranked American man Taylor Fritz and reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka.

“I like being part of this brand. This family,” del Potro said of his ongoing partnership. “They’re called ‘Maestro’ tequila. They want to be the maestro in the tequila world and we always liked to be the maestro in tennis. So we have that very close connection.”

Just as del Potro did many years ago, Maestro Dobel will make history at the 2023 US Open as the tournament’s first official tequila.

Maestro Dobel is also supporting the annual USTA Foundation Opening Night Gala, whose proceeds support the tennis and educational endeavours of under-resourced youth across the United States.

Their effort to continue the sport’s growth really resonates with del Potro.

“They are also investing money, investing time in tennis,” del Potro said. “I support them a lot … because I’d like to increase my sport’s (visibility).”

With the action underway in Flushing Meadows, theScore spoke with del Potro about a wide range of topics, including his special connection with the US Open, his attempted comeback, and Lionel Messi’s move to MLS club Inter Miami.

(Editor’s note: Interview edited for length and clarity.)

theScore: What is it about the US Open that separates it from other majors?

del Potro: The US Open is my tournament. It’s my place as everybody knows … It doesn’t matter the score, just being there is special. I had the chance to play two finals in my career, then I played semifinals and quarterfinals in other years. Between me and the fans, we always created a special atmosphere for the tennis match. I think all the players really liked that. The tennis fans liked it too. And that’s why I love New York.

theScore: In April, you revealed plans to “play a farewell match” at the US Open. Unfortunately, you recently announced that you aren’t fit enough to compete this year. Can you provide an update on your knee injury?

del Potro: I really miss being there. I tried to play this year, but a few weeks ago, I decided to quit because my knee is not ready enough to hold up for a five-set match in a Grand Slam … Now, I’m looking at a different approach to treat my knee for a better daily life.

theScore: How difficult was this decision for you?

del Potro: I love tennis a lot, but first, my mind is completely on getting my knee better … I don’t know if I will be able to play tennis or other sports in the future. I just want to be without pain for at least my daily life. This is very important for myself. At the moment, I’m not able to run. I’m not able to move that much these days. I’m only 34 years old.

theScore: Do you have an even greater appreciation for your 2009 US Open title knowing how dominant Federer and The Big Three have been?

del Potro: When I look back at the years … I’m very proud of that (major win) because I’ve been part of the best era of tennis history. I’m one of them. Not as big. But I’ve always been associated with them.

theScore: Some view Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune as potentially the next Big Three. What’s impressed you about this young trio?

del Potro: I think (men’s) tennis will be in good hands. These young players are the future. I mean, they are the present already, but they’re going to be at the top for years. Personally, I like Carlitos a lot. I like the way he moves on the court. His charisma … I also believe Jannik Sinner has big potential to win (Grand Slams) in the future.

theScore: Iga Swiatek is the player to beat on the women’s side. What do you like about her game?

del Potro: It’s really nice to watch (Iga) play. She’s fresh. She’s a very talented player … She’s very smart. She can mix it up – play defense, slices, drop shots – and also hits the forehand really hard.

theScore: One of your sporting heroes is Lionel Messi. He now plays in Miami, where you spend part of the year. Have you had a chance to meet yet?

del Potro: Maybe I will meet him in the future. He just arrived to the country. He’s trying to adapt to this new life for him and his family. He has three kids … But I love him being close in Miami. Of course, I like how good he is playing soccer. Everybody loves him. Being an Argentinian soccer fan, he means everything for us.