(Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports)

By Douglas Robson, USA TODAY Sports

The sound: It almost makes you want to take cover.

Juan Martin del Potro’s forehand, especially on the run, hurtles through the court like a ballistic missile. Accompanied by his deep, guttural grunt, there is nothing quite like it in tennis.

“The sheer power,” says Roger Federer, “it’s difficult to counter that.”

Men’s tennis does not lack raw explosiveness when it comes to forehands, with Federer, Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Fernando Verdasco among the biggest hitters.

But the 6-6 del Potro’s combination of accuracy, height and power when pushed from the middle of the court is the most fearsome groundstroke in the sport.

(This GIF may take a few moments to load. It’s worth it.)

(Graphic by Tim McGarry-USA TODAY Sports)

“On the run, he’s a little more dynamic in terms of one-punch,” says Tennis Channel’s Justin Gimelstob.

Some wondered after 2010 right wrist surgery if the 24-year-old from Argentina would ever reclaim the form that earned him the 2009 U.S. Open championship with back-to-back defeats of Nadal and Federer.

At Wimbledon, however, the shot that inspired so much awe was back.

In a stirring five-set semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic, several cannon blasts nearly left burn marks in the turf.

Fans gasped. Djokovic applauded. Groundskeepers cringed.

“Sometimes it can be overwhelming,” says American Sam Querrey. “He’s such a tall guy. His swing is so long. It’s like a giant windmill coming at you. He can hit it as hard as anyone in the world.”

(Thanks to John Yandell of Tennisplayer.net for the original video and analysis.)