Rafael Nadal’s 4 French Open losses: Alexander Zverev 3rd man to beat Spaniard at Roland Garros
Beating Rafael Nadal at the French Open may be the toughest task in sporting history.
The ‘King of Clay’ has been impenetrable at times during his career, winning a staggering 112 matches – and 14 titles – at Roland Garros.
But while Nadal’s mind may still be willing, the body currently isn’t, and it was always going to be tough for him to make an impact this year.
After a round-one loss to Alexander Zverev, we look at the four rare occasions Nadal has been defeated at this event.
2009: R4 to Robin Soderling
The first of Nadal’s French Open losses was arguably the most shocking of them all.
Nadal was a perfect four from four at Roland Garros heading into the 2009 event, and after reaching the fourth round few expected 23rd seed Soderling to trouble him.
But the Swede – who would ultimately reach back-to-back finals at the tournament in 2009 and 2010 – pulled off one of the greatest upsets in tennis history.
After winning the opening set emphatically, it looked like the Swede’s chances were over after the world No 1 and top seed rallied to level at one-set-all.
Soderling was unfazed, however, and reeled off the next two sets to claim a stunning 6-2, 6-7(2), 6-4, 7-6(2) triumph and end Nadal’s 31-match streak.
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2015: QF to Novak Djokovic
After his 2009 loss, the 14-time winner rebounded to win five consecutive titles from 2010-14.
But he was struggling with form and fitness heading into the 2015 edition and was ultimately beaten by great rival Djokovic.
The Serbian was 0-6 against Nadal at the French Open prior to this match, and it looked as if nerves were getting to him after he wasted an early lead.
But the world No 1 righted the ship and after eventually claiming the opener, he stormed to a 7-5, 6-3, 6-1 quarter-final win.
Never gets old @RafaelNadal #rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/4OyTld5A0H
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 27, 2024
2021: SF to Novak Djokovic
Djokovic is the only man in history to beat Nadal at the tournament twice after a stunning win in the last four in 2021.
Nadal came into this event having won four straight titles in Paris – and having beaten Djokovic comprehensively in the 2020 final.
But, after dropping the opening set, the Serbian responded with a sublime second set, and edged an extraordinary third set to move close to victory.
With Nadal struggling physically and fading, Djokovic claimed a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2 triumph on his way to winning a second title.
2024: R1 to Alexander Zverev
The draw Gods were not kind to Nadal in what could be his final Roland Garros, with Zverev – the Italian Open winner – seeded fourth in Paris.
Nadal had the vast majority of Court Philippe Chatrier behind him and fought tooth and nail to try and claim victory, but the German was always the favourite.
And the world No 4 claimed a 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 victory to reach the second round, handing Nadal loss No four at the tournament.
