‘Everyone Wanted Roger (Federer) to Win’ – Rafael Nadal’s Iconic French Open Triumph Rekindles Emotional Memories for Ex-Pro

Tennis is defined by its legendary rivalries. From the Fire and Ice duo, Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe, to Andre Agassi vs. Pete Sampras. In later years, the sport was shaped by the fierce battles between clay-court specialist Rafael Nadal and grass-court master Roger Federer, who faced each other 40 times with unmatched intensity. However, history was changed in their 2009 French Open clash, which stands out as a moment Alex Corretja recalls for its incredible tension and drama.

That year, Nadal was competing for his fourth title at Roland Garros. However, a shocking fourth-round loss to Robin Soderling ended his 31-match winning streak. This upset paved the way for Federer to win the title and complete his career Grand Slam! Recalling the moment, Spanish ex-pro Corretja was asked about the French public’s reaction toward Rafa during that edition.

He minced no words as he told Spanish publication Marca on Saturday, “I think the admiration for Federer, the proximity to his country, the language… made everyone want Roger to win. They saw it as impossible for him to beat Rafa in Paris. And it’s true that when he won, people accepted that Nadal could win as many times as he wanted.” The stats certainly backed it up.

To say Nadal has proven tough to beat at the French Open over the course of his career would be a huge understatement. The first 10 times the Spaniard entered, he won it on nine occasions, with the only exception being 2009. As Alex pointed out, “It’s true that Rafa arrived at a time when Spanish tennis players had won a lot in Paris, and another one came along who never stopped winning.”

Before Rafael Nadal, Spanish men had already enjoyed notable success at Roland Garros. Champions included Manuel Santana (1961, 1964), Andrés Gimeno (1972), Sergi Bruguera (1993, 1994), Carlos Moyà (1998), Albert Costa (2002), and Juan Carlos Ferrero (2003). On the women’s side, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario was a dominant force, winning three French Open titles (1989, 1994, 1998). This rich Spanish legacy helps explain why Rafa’s 2009 loss struck such a chord with the French crowd.

However, Alex added, “At first, they saw him as another Spaniard, and he was El Español. They understood that he transcended what a Spanish player was. He’s much more than that.” When Rafa came out winning at Roland Garros, he was just a 19-year-old, winning the clay grand slam in 2005 for the first time.

He did it again and again, until 2009. Giving Roger Federer a boost in his Grand Slam victories. However, after that year, Rafa came back stronger, winning the title five times in a row until 2014 and then again till he ultimately ended his career with 14 French Open titles to his name. That’s a record that has remained untouched on the Parisian clay.

From the Spaniard’s point of view, the loss at that edition of the French Open was both shattering and calming. Yet, seeing his rival and friend take the win left him with bittersweet feelings.

Rafael Nadal opens up about his 2009 French Open campaign

Nadal once looked back on the 2009 French Open final—a tournament he’s ruled for years but was the toughest challenge for Federer. That year, a Federer win would have completed his career Grand Slam and handed him the world No. 1 spot, which Nadal was also chasing. Surprisingly, Nadal admits he wanted Federer to lose. Yet, watching the final moved him deeply. “When Roger won the 2009 French Open, I cried with emotion. Although I did not want him to win because I had chances to become the world No. 1, he deserved it after getting so close to the title in the past four years,” Nadal said.

The Federer-Nadal rivalry is legendary, to say the least. Their 40 meetings saw Nadal winning 24 and Federer 16. On clay, Nadal dominated with a 14-2 record. Federer led on grass, 3-1. Their hard-court battles were tight, Federer narrowly ahead 11-9. It’s a rivalry that has captivated tennis fans worldwide.

As the 2025 French Open begins, Nadal will get a special tribute at Roland Garros on May 25. The event will honor his incredible run as the King of Clay. It’s a perfect farewell for a player who has defined an era on Parisian clay. What do you think? We’d love to know your thoughts below!