2014 Final against Novak Djokovic
Fresh off a semi-final battle the previous year, one that had seen Nadal come out on top to eventually win the title, the two faced each other again at the finals the following year. The four-time defending champion at Roland Garros was the top seed at the tournament, and only dropped a single set – in the quarterfinals.
That had been against his compatriot and 2013 French Open rival David Ferrer, and was the only blip in an otherwise spotless record at that year’s claycourt slam.
Djokovic had had a similarly strong run of form, and the two were locked in yet another battle – that for the position of World No. 1 – before the start of the tournament.
The Serb came into the match having defeated his Spanish rival four consecutive times, and could have been the favourite to win. Immediately, he took the first set off Nadal 6-3, and, down a break in the second set, even managed to level the Spaniard.
It looked as though there would be a new French Open champion that year – and then Nadal battled back. Taking advantage of Djokovic’s inability at the time to handle pressure, Nadal pushed as he won the match 3–6, 7–5, 6–2, 6–4.
That would be his record ninth French Open title.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
