Del Potro Forehand Grip, Illustrated

Juan Martín del Potro

Eastern Grip

Base Index Knuckle on Eastern (Bevel 3)
Heel Pad on Eastern (Bevel 3)

Known to have one of the most lethal forehands on tour, it’s very interesting how Delpo hits with such a classic grip. It’s no doubt a big part of the reason why he is able to hit the ball so flat.

In comparison to Roger Federer, who also hits with a eastern grip, del Potro is more of a standard eastern whereas Federer is much closer to semi-western. Specifically, Federer has his index knuckle on the border of Eastern & Semi-Western, and his heel pad is on Semi-Western. You can check out the detailed diagrams in this blog post!

Mid-Forehand, Basel 2017: del Potro’s index knuckle doesn’t reach bevel 4, and seems to be pretty centered on bevel 3. A great perspective of a standard eastern grip.

Forehand Follow-Through, Basel 2017: I’ve drawn the rest of the grip hiding behind the palm. The heel pad is very comfortably on the bevel 3/Eastern.