Roland Garros 2012: Rafael Nadal wins record-setting seventh French Open title

Rafael Nadal won his seventh French Open title after beating top-ranked Novak Djokovic in a title match that was moved on Monday due to rain with a score of 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. This makes Nadal as the male tennis player with the most Roland Garros titles, overtaking Bjorn Borg’s record of six. Nadal also posted his 52nd win in Paris with his only loss coming against Robin Soderling in 2009.

Nadal dominated the first two sets, leading 2-0 both times with Djokovic providing some resistance to break back but the Spaniard’s mastery in clay prevailed. In the third set, however, the Serbian star found his momentum to win eight consecutive games to take the set and lead 2-0 in the fourth before Nadal salvaged a game. It was at this time that the match was suspended due to rain. Tournament officials and spectators stayed on hoping that the match will resume at 8pm Paris time but the weather forecast was bleak and it was decided that the match will resume at 1pm Paris time on Monday.

When play resumed, Nadal went back to work – breaking Djokovic’s serve to even things at 2-2. Both players held on to their serve until Nadal was up 6-5 and Djokovic was serving to force a tiebreaker. However, when Nadal was up a break and a match point, Djokovic double-faulted to hand over the victory to the Spaniard.

Nadal has lost the last three Grand Slam title matches against Djokovic starting from last year’s Wimbledon final. Djokovic was aiming to become the first man since Rod Laver to win four consecutive Grand Slam titles.

Nadal now has 11 Grand Slam titles and ties with Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver for the all-time list.

In a post-match interview with John McEnroe, Nadal said that being compared to the great Bjorn Borg is already a big honor.