Spanish Champions in Roland Garros, other than Rafael Nadal

Think about Roland Garros, and the first name that will come to our minds will be Rafael Nadal. The King of Clay has been guarding his territory like a Spanish matador, conquering every battle on the red dirt, barring one single defeat against Robin Soderling in 2009. With an astounding 58-1 record in the French Open, there is no wonder why he is considered as the greatest clay court player ever to grace the Roland Garros.

Not only for Rafa, but the slow courts of French Open have been successful for a number of fellow Spaniards also. In this post, let’s take a look at the Spanish champions in Roland Garros (Open Era only), other than the great Rafael Nadal.

Andres Gimeno (1972)

At the age of 34 and 10 months, Andres Gimeno defeated Patrick Proisy (France) by 4-6, 6-3, 6 -1, 6-1 to win the French Open. This is his only grand slam and he remains the oldest male player to win the Roland Garros title. In 1969, legendary Rod Laver defeated him by 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 in the Australian Open final.

Arantxa Sanchez Vicario (1989, 1994, 1998)

Arantxa Sanchez is the female equivalent of Rafael Nadal in Spanish tennis. Hailing from a family of tennis players, she conquered Roland Garros in 1989, 1994 and 1998. In 1989, Arantxa, nicknamed as Barcelona Bumblebee for her retrieval skills and indomitable spirit, became the youngest women’s singles player (she was 17) to win the French Open title. This record didn’t last long, and was broken by Monica Seles (16 years) in 1990.

Sergi Bruguera (1993, 1994)

A fantastic clay court player, Sergi Brugurea won consecutive Roland Garros titles in 1993 and 1994. His hope for a third French Open title in 1997 was crushed by Gustavo Kuerten, who won the final 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Bruguera also won the silver medal in men’s tennis for Spain in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Carlos Moya (1998)

Another clay court legend from Spain who has stamped his mark on Roland Garros is Carlos Moya. In 1998, he defeated fellow Spaniard Alex Corretja 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 to lift the coveted French Open. He was a part of the Spanish Davis Cup winning team in 2004. In a career marred with injuries, Moya gave us some spectacular matches and moments to cherish for. He has also mentored many Spanish tennis players including Rafael Nadal.

Albert Costa (2002)

Four years later, in 2002, another Spanish clay-courter won the Roland Garros men’s singles title. This time it was Albert Costa, widely considered as an outsider in major tournaments. Just like the 1998 final, the 2002 French Open also witnessed the battle between two Spaniards, Costa and Juan Carlos Ferrero. Costa outclassed an injured Ferrero 6-1, 6-0, 4-6, 6-3. His other major victories include the 2000 Davis Cup title and Sydney Olympics bronze medal in doubles for Spain.

Juan Carlos Ferrero (2003)

Throughout his career, Juan Carlos Ferrero had suffered a lot of injuries. In the 2002 French Open, in spite of suffering a foot injury, he reached the finals, but lost the match to fellow Spaniard Albert Costa. Next year, the wheel of fortune took a complete turn. Once again Ferrero booked a place in the Roland Garros final, this time against the relatively unknown Martin Verkerk, and defeating him 6-1, 6-3, 6-2. 2003 was a golden year for Ferrero, with him winning French Open, being US Open finalist and winning Spanish Sportsman of the Year award.