Nadal Retires

[RSJfan]

…This guy gave tennis everything he had. Probably the fiercest competitor I’ve ever seen out there…

I’ve been watching since Connors era and am fortunate to have seen all the top players in person. IMO Vamos is the greatest competitor the sport has ever seen. He not only left it all on the court every time he played he did it seemingly every point he played. VAMOS!

 

[RSJfan]

Zod. Rublev and De Manure are still active. Vive still has work to do.

It’s just not the same.

 

[inflation_era]

That speech took too much time. How else huh?

 

[RF-18]

Happy retirement Rafa. He did what he could and fought to the end, just sad he couldn't go out on his own terms. One thing I respect with Rafa and never really said until now is he was a scary mfer on court. He had immense aura. Not someone you want to go to battle against.

Congratulations on a fantastic career.

 

[RSJfan]

And Tiafoe/Sack ending Federer's career. Sickening actually now in light of his actions in Shanghai

I put it at Hubie W match but your point is well taken.

Sack.

 

[ey039524]

And Tiafoe/Sack ending Federer's career. Sickening actually now in light of his actions in Shanghai

If you haven't watched the Fed doc, Rafa was hilarious in the locker room at Laver Cup.

I fear that Stan is going out this year, too. End of an era.

Unbeliebable!

 

[Rosstour]

I put it at Hubie W match but your point is well taken.

Sack.

Sack. Jock Sack. It fits much better.

Maybe we can call Frances "Tiaf****" since he likes that word so much

 

[Rosstour]

If you haven't watched the Fed doc, Rafa was hilarious in the locker room at Laver Cup.

That a-hole won me over with his humor, I have to say.

 

[RSJfan]

Does Egg have any tennis purpose without Fedal. I weirdly feel bad for Egg today.

 

[nolefam_2024]

Very funny video just dropped.

 

[Feather]

Really sad day! Tennis will not be the same. Will miss you Rafa

Wish you all the best for everything in life

 

[bezs]

Good time for him to call it a day, nothing left to prove or ruin his legacy with sub-par performances and embarrassing losses.

 

[Djokodalerer31]

‘A difficult decision’: Rafael Nadal announces retirement from tennis at 38

Rafael Nadal has announced that the upcoming Davis Cup final will be his final tournament as a professional

www.theguardian.com

Is nadal only male player to win OGM in both singles & doubles

RIR = Rest / Rich In Retirement

Nicolas Massu has won in both singles and doubles at the same olympics in Athens 2004. Though i think he is the only other guy...

 

[Rosstour]

Nicolas Massu has won in both singles and doubles at the same olympics in Athens 2004.

The Legend of Vampire and Stonehand. An epic tale for all time

Gonzo took home a bronze singles medal too that year....absolutely insane

 

[The Blond Blur]

I knew it was coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. Win or lose, records or no records he’ll always be my favorite tennis player. And even more than that, my favorite athlete of all time. The sport will be a lot less exciting and special without him in it, but he’ll always be remembered and celebrated. There’s heroes and then there’s legends. Heroes get remembered, but

 

[Pheasant]

Congrats Rafa to a fantastic career. You brought us all a ton of incredible memories. I hope that all goes well for you during retirement.

 

[NatF]

Damn did not expect this today. What a champion he was, he broke my heart more than anyone else but he also created some of the great sporting spectacles of my life.

 

[RSJfan]

Good time for him to call it a day, nothing left to prove or ruin his legacy with sub-par performances and embarrassing losses.

“It was wrong of Rafa to retire but he did well.”

 

[EdMcMush]

Long live the king. Long time coming, probably should have happened sooner, but still a sad day for tennis. I feel Novak is only a few years away now.

 

[mike danny]

Farewell to Rafa, will definitely miss him. He has given out favorite players lots of heartbreaks, but without him, tennis wouldn't be what it is.

In one way or another he has attracted the attention of many people, be it haters (just to watch him lose), be it his fans (to watch him win), be it neutrals (to watch him).

And we wouldn't have seen the rivalries we've witnessed if he hadn't shown up. He's made the Big 3 iconic due to his shared rivalries with Federer and then Djokovic. Without Nadal we would've seen Fed-Djokovic, but without the same impact due to their primes never coinciding.

 

[mike danny]

Does Egg have any tennis purpose without Fedal. I weirdly feel bad for Egg today.

He's had a fair amount of purpose considering that Fedal have been retired for over 2 years by this point.

 

[mike danny]

I don't think it was as tough of a decision as Rafa says though. 2024 made it very clear he doesn't have it anymore.

 

[Breakpointerer]

We could see it coming from miles away. Still, sad to see another legend bow out.
Seems like his 2024 ended up being a redux of Fed-2021.
Thanks for all the memories, Rafa.

 

[Unseeded Player]

Should have played the 2025 RG and completed a 20 year anniversary.

Nah, this is ok.

I don't think it was as tough of a decision as Rafa says though. 2024 made it very clear he doesn't have it anymore.

When you are doing something since you were a kid, being so good and earning a huge money it is always tough to say farewell. Even when you know that you are done.

 

[tennisjedi]

My favorite tennis player of all time. I became a Nadal fan way back in 2005 during the Miami open final even though Nadal lost that match unfortunately. It‘s been an amazing 19 year ride filled with lots of epic wins and heartbreaking losses.

Thank you Rafa for providing tennis fans with so many wonderful matches and moments. Enjoy your retirement.

 

[Unseeded Player]

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[nolefam_2024]

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Its end of an era. Good on Novak to be there in person.

 

[Red Rick]

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"It's been fun"
"Fun?"
"It sounded pithier than "We've shared a variety of occasions"

~Gregory House

 

[Unseeded Player]

Its end of an era. Good on Novak to be there in person.

And what an era it was...Yes, it will be a sad moment for sure.

 

[RSJfan]

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Thiem can’t even get an RSVP.

 

[The Green Mile]

Well, two down and one to go. Enjoy retirement Rafa.

 

[Waves]

This man had one of my goat quotes of tennis and life, “if, if, if…doesn’t exist”. What an amazing athlete and contributor to sport and life.

Rest easy goat, and enjoy the remainder of your journey.

 

[InsuranceMan]

Bumming. Don’t know what else to say. Sorry Rafa bros. Screw you to all the **** who hijack the occasion to do GOAT trolling, the classy ones were noticed. I’m having difficulty imagining the game without him. Hope he enjoys all the trips out on the water of Mallorca with his family.

 

[Mustard]

It's sad, now that the news is official. No words can do justice to the enormity of what he has achieved in his tennis career, and the entertainment given for us fans.

 

[Mustard]

Nadal's French Open dominance is one of if not the greatest feats in all sport.

Something that will never be broken.

14 French Open titles. Insanity.

Here it is, all down on paper, Nadal's French Open match record:

2005 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Lars Burgsmuller (6-1, 7-6, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Xavier Malisse (6-2, 6-2, 6-4)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Richard Gasquet (6-4, 6-3, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Sebastien Grosjean (6-4, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. David Ferrer (7-5, 6-2, 6-0)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Mariano Puerta (6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 7-5)

2006 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Robin Soderling (6-2, 7-5, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Kevin Kim (6-2, 6-1, 6-4)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Paul-Henri Mathieu (5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Lleyton Hewitt (6-2, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-4, 6-4, ret.)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Ivan Ljubicic (6-4, 6-2, 7-6)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6)

2007 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Juan Martin del Potro (7-5, 6-3, 6-2)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Flavio Cipolla (6-2, 6-1, 6-4)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Albert Montanes (6-1, 6-3, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Lleyton Hewitt (6-3, 6-1, 7-6)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Carlos Moya (6-4, 6-3, 6-0)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (7-5, 6-4, 6-2)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4)

2008 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Thomaz Bellucci (7-5, 6-3, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Devilder (6-4, 6-0, 6-1)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Jarkko Nieminen (6-1, 6-3, 6-1)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Fernando Verdasco (6-1, 6-0, 6-2)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Almagro (6-1, 6-1, 6-1)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-4, 6-2, 7-6)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (6-1, 6-3, 6-0)

2009 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Marcos Daniel (7-5, 6-4, 6-3)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Teymuraz Gabashvili (6-1, 6-4, 6-2)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Lleyton Hewitt (6-1, 6-3, 6-1)
R16: Robin Soderling def. Rafael Nadal (6-2, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6)

2010 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Gianni Mina (6-2, 6-2, 6-2)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Horacio Zeballos (6-2, 6-2, 6-3)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Lleyton Hewitt (6-3, 6-4, 6-3)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Thomaz Bellucci (6-2, 7-5, 6-4)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Almagro (7-6, 7-6, 6-4)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Jurgen Melzer (6-2, 6-3, 7-6)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Robin Soderling (6-4, 6-2, 6-4)

2011 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. John Isner (6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Pablo Andujar (7-5, 6-3, 7-6)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Antonio Veic (6-1, 6-3, 6-0)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Ivan Ljubicic (7-5, 6-3, 6-3)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Robin Soderling (6-4, 6-1, 7-6)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (6-4, 7-5, 6-4)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1)

2012 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Simone Bolelli (6-2, 6-2, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Denis Istomin (6-2, 6-2, 6-0)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Eduardo Schwank (6-1, 6-3, 6-4)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Juan Monaco (6-2, 6-0, 6-0)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Almagro (7-6, 6-2, 6-3)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. David Ferrer (6-2, 6-2, 6-1)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5)

2013 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Daniel Brands (4-6, 7-6, 6-4, 6-3)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Martin Klizan (4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Fabio Fognini (7-6, 6-4, 6-4)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Kei Nishikori (6-4, 6-1, 6-3)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Stanislas Wawrinka (6-2, 6-3, 6-1)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7, 9-7)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. David Ferrer (6-3, 6-2, 6-3)

2014 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Robby Ginepri (6-0, 6-3, 6-0)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Dominic Thiem (6-2, 6-2, 6-3)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Leonardo Mayer (6-2, 7-5, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Dusan Lajovic (6-1, 6-2, 6-1)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. David Ferrer (4-6, 6-4, 6-0, 6-1)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (6-3, 6-2, 6-1)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4)

2015 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Quentin Halys (6-3, 6-3, 6-4)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Almagro (6-4, 6-3, 6-1)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Andrey Kuznetsov (6-1, 6-3, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Jack Sock (6-3, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2)
QF: Novak Djokovic def. Rafael Nadal (7-5, 6-3, 6-1)

2016 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Sam Groth (6-1, 6-1, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Facundo Bagnis (6-3, 6-0, 6-3)
R32: Marcel Granollers def. Rafael Nadal (Walkover)

2017 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Benoit Paire (6-1, 6-4, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Robin Haase (6-1, 6-4, 6-3)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Nikoloz Basilashvili (6-0, 6-1, 6-0)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Roberto Bautista Agut (6-1, 6-2, 6-2)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Pablo Carreno Busta (6-2, 2-0 ret.)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Dominic Thiem (6-3, 6-4, 6-0)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Stanislas Wawrinka (6-2, 6-3, 6-1)

2018 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Simone Bolelli (6-4, 6-3, 7-6)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Guido Pella (6-2, 6-1, 6-1)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Richard Gasquet (6-3, 6-2, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Maximilian Marterer (6-3, 6-2, 7-6)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Diego Schwartzman (4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Juan Martin del Potro (6-4, 6-2, 6-1)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Dominic Thiem (6-4, 6-3, 6-2)

2019 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Yannick Hanfmann (6-2, 6-1, 6-3)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Yannick Maden (6-1, 6-2, 6-4)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. David Goffin (6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Juan Ignacio Londero (6-2, 6-3, 6-3)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Kei Nishikori (6-1, 6-1, 6-3)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (6-3, 6-4, 6-2)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Dominic Thiem (6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1)

2020 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Egor Gerasimov (6-4, 6-4, 6-2)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Mackenzie McDonald (6-1, 6-0, 6-3)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Stefano Travaglia (6-1, 6-4, 6-0)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Sebastian Korda (6-1, 6-1, 6-2)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Jannik Sinner (7-6, 6-4, 6-1)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Diego Schwartzman (6-3, 6-3, 7-6)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-0, 6-2, 7-5)

2021 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Alexei Popyrin (6-3, 6-2, 7-6)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Richard Gasquet (6-0, 7-5, 6-2)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Cameron Norrie (6-3, 6-3, 6-3)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Jannik Sinner (7-5, 6-3, 6-0)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Diego Schwartzman (6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0)
SF: Novak Djokovic def. Rafael Nadal (3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2)

2022 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Jordan Thompson (6-2, 6-2, 6-2)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Corentin Moutet (6-3, 6-1, 6-4)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Botic van de Zandschulp (6-3, 6-2, 6-4)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Felix Auger-Aliassime (3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Alexander Zverev Jr. (7-6, 6-6 ret.)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Casper Ruud (6-3, 6-3, 6-0)

2024 French Open
R128: Alexander Zverev Jr. def. Rafael Nadal (6-3, 7-6, 6-3)


So, going by the statistics above:

Nadal has played 116 matches at the French Open
Nadal has won 87 matches in 3 sets
Nadal has won 3 matches when leading after his opponent retired in the second or third set
Nadal has won 19 matches in 4 sets
Nadal has won 3 matches in 5 sets
Nadal has lost 2 matches in 4 sets
Nadal has lost 2 matches in 3 sets

 

[hoodjem]

I happened into the US-Spain DC final in November, 2004, in Spain, Roddick v Rafa, only I didn't really know Rafa. Just as a year or two before, I had my Federer revelation, Rafa's athleticism, shot making and sheer joy leapt off the screen. I came in rooting for Roddick; a few games later, I HAD to root for Rafa. He was that dynamic and compelling. (I'm not the most nationalistic fan.)

All these years later, through a crazy-great career, no other tennis player has given me that adrenaline rush like Rafa. And given a serve that was never great, once the point was in play, he has to have been the greatest, with an arsenal of shots, athleticism and sheer will that was arguably the greatest in tennis history.

Supreme athleticism, shot-making ability, sheer joy, never-say-die warrior attitude, ultimate perseverance to run down every shot.
Always, always a thrill to watch!

 

[Sephiroth]

I accepted it a long time ago but hearing it being made official just brings a whole different level of sadness, so many memories just flash by in the mind

 

[The Guru]

Despite not liking Rafa in the early 10s because of his rivalry with Novak by the late 10s and up through now he became my second favorite player on tour. Absolute legend I and the game will miss dearly.

 

[Winner Sinner]

The real thing that is sad is that in hindsight he should have retired after the victory at Roland Garros 2022. So he would not have had a season like this 2024 where objectively, despite the many alibis in his defense, it was sad to see him lose all those matches on clay against opponents like De Minaur, Lehecka, Hurkacz and Borges who until 2022 on the surface would have been eaten in one bite. Furthermore, by retiring after the RG 2022 when he had the leadership of the slams won he could also leave that aura of mystery once Djokovic would have reached and surpassed him, as if to say that people might have thought that if he had not retired he would have led the ranking of slams won. And this is said by someone who doesn't give a damn about the Goat diatribe.

 

[kevaninho]

Even though you feel its coming sooner, its still a shock to actually hear it from his own mouth.

Tennis hasnt been the same since him and Rog called it a day. I dont care what anyone says.
Good players will come along, and the tour is ok right now. But the X factor that these guys brought to the game, with their personalities, rivalry, style etc, probably wont be repeated.

A man who is the greatest example to any young sportsperson , of how to respect opponents, and how to work harder than anyone else to get the most out of their talents.

It is said too much about people when they retire, but Rafa really was a special , unique player in his chosen field, of which we'll never see again.
Im just glad i was alive through his whole career to witness it all.

Vamos.

 

[zagor]

Here it is, all down on paper, Nadal's French Open match record:

2005 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Lars Burgsmuller (6-1, 7-6, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Xavier Malisse (6-2, 6-2, 6-4)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Richard Gasquet (6-4, 6-3, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Sebastien Grosjean (6-4, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. David Ferrer (7-5, 6-2, 6-0)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Mariano Puerta (6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 7-5)

2006 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Robin Soderling (6-2, 7-5, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Kevin Kim (6-2, 6-1, 6-4)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Paul-Henri Mathieu (5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Lleyton Hewitt (6-2, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-4, 6-4, ret.)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Ivan Ljubicic (6-4, 6-2, 7-6)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6)

2007 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Juan Martin del Potro (7-5, 6-3, 6-2)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Flavio Cipolla (6-2, 6-1, 6-4)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Albert Montanes (6-1, 6-3, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Lleyton Hewitt (6-3, 6-1, 7-6)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Carlos Moya (6-4, 6-3, 6-0)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (7-5, 6-4, 6-2)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4)

2008 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Thomaz Bellucci (7-5, 6-3, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Devilder (6-4, 6-0, 6-1)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Jarkko Nieminen (6-1, 6-3, 6-1)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Fernando Verdasco (6-1, 6-0, 6-2)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Almagro (6-1, 6-1, 6-1)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-4, 6-2, 7-6)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (6-1, 6-3, 6-0)

2009 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Marcos Daniel (7-5, 6-4, 6-3)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Teymuraz Gabashvili (6-1, 6-4, 6-2)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Lleyton Hewitt (6-1, 6-3, 6-1)
R16: Robin Soderling def. Rafael Nadal (6-2, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6)

2010 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Gianni Mina (6-2, 6-2, 6-2)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Horacio Zeballos (6-2, 6-2, 6-3)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Lleyton Hewitt (6-3, 6-4, 6-3)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Thomaz Bellucci (6-2, 7-5, 6-4)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Almagro (7-6, 7-6, 6-4)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Jurgen Melzer (6-2, 6-3, 7-6)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Robin Soderling (6-4, 6-2, 6-4)

2011 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. John Isner (6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Pablo Andujar (7-5, 6-3, 7-6)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Antonio Veic (6-1, 6-3, 6-0)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Ivan Ljubicic (7-5, 6-3, 6-3)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Robin Soderling (6-4, 6-1, 7-6)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (6-4, 7-5, 6-4)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1)

2012 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Simone Bolelli (6-2, 6-2, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Denis Istomin (6-2, 6-2, 6-0)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Eduardo Schwank (6-1, 6-3, 6-4)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Juan Monaco (6-2, 6-0, 6-0)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Almagro (7-6, 6-2, 6-3)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. David Ferrer (6-2, 6-2, 6-1)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5)

2013 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Daniel Brands (4-6, 7-6, 6-4, 6-3)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Martin Klizan (4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Fabio Fognini (7-6, 6-4, 6-4)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Kei Nishikori (6-4, 6-1, 6-3)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Stanislas Wawrinka (6-2, 6-3, 6-1)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7, 9-7)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. David Ferrer (6-3, 6-2, 6-3)

2014 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Robby Ginepri (6-0, 6-3, 6-0)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Dominic Thiem (6-2, 6-2, 6-3)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Leonardo Mayer (6-2, 7-5, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Dusan Lajovic (6-1, 6-2, 6-1)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. David Ferrer (4-6, 6-4, 6-0, 6-1)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray (6-3, 6-2, 6-1)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4)

2015 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Quentin Halys (6-3, 6-3, 6-4)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Nicolas Almagro (6-4, 6-3, 6-1)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Andrey Kuznetsov (6-1, 6-3, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Jack Sock (6-3, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2)
QF: Novak Djokovic def. Rafael Nadal (7-5, 6-3, 6-1)

2016 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Sam Groth (6-1, 6-1, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Facundo Bagnis (6-3, 6-0, 6-3)
R32: Marcel Granollers def. Rafael Nadal (Walkover)

2017 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Benoit Paire (6-1, 6-4, 6-1)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Robin Haase (6-1, 6-4, 6-3)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Nikoloz Basilashvili (6-0, 6-1, 6-0)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Roberto Bautista Agut (6-1, 6-2, 6-2)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Pablo Carreno Busta (6-2, 2-0 ret.)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Dominic Thiem (6-3, 6-4, 6-0)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Stanislas Wawrinka (6-2, 6-3, 6-1)

2018 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Simone Bolelli (6-4, 6-3, 7-6)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Guido Pella (6-2, 6-1, 6-1)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Richard Gasquet (6-3, 6-2, 6-2)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Maximilian Marterer (6-3, 6-2, 7-6)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Diego Schwartzman (4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Juan Martin del Potro (6-4, 6-2, 6-1)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Dominic Thiem (6-4, 6-3, 6-2)

2019 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Yannick Hanfmann (6-2, 6-1, 6-3)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Yannick Maden (6-1, 6-2, 6-4)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. David Goffin (6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Juan Ignacio Londero (6-2, 6-3, 6-3)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Kei Nishikori (6-1, 6-1, 6-3)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer (6-3, 6-4, 6-2)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Dominic Thiem (6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1)

2020 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Egor Gerasimov (6-4, 6-4, 6-2)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Mackenzie McDonald (6-1, 6-0, 6-3)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Stefano Travaglia (6-1, 6-4, 6-0)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Sebastian Korda (6-1, 6-1, 6-2)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Jannik Sinner (7-6, 6-4, 6-1)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Diego Schwartzman (6-3, 6-3, 7-6)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-0, 6-2, 7-5)

2021 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Alexei Popyrin (6-3, 6-2, 7-6)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Richard Gasquet (6-0, 7-5, 6-2)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Cameron Norrie (6-3, 6-3, 6-3)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Jannik Sinner (7-5, 6-3, 6-0)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Diego Schwartzman (6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0)
SF: Novak Djokovic def. Rafael Nadal (3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2)

2022 French Open
R128: Rafael Nadal def. Jordan Thompson (6-2, 6-2, 6-2)
R64: Rafael Nadal def. Corentin Moutet (6-3, 6-1, 6-4)
R32: Rafael Nadal def. Botic van de Zandschulp (6-3, 6-2, 6-4)
R16: Rafael Nadal def. Felix Auger-Aliassime (3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3)
QF: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic (6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6)
SF: Rafael Nadal def. Alexander Zverev Jr. (7-6, 6-6 ret.)
FR: Rafael Nadal def. Casper Ruud (6-3, 6-3, 6-0)

2024 French Open
R128: Alexander Zverev Jr. def. Rafael Nadal (6-3, 7-6, 6-3)


So, going by the statistics above:

Nadal has played 116 matches at the French Open
Nadal has won 87 matches in 3 sets
Nadal has won 3 matches when leading after his opponent retired in the second or third set
Nadal has won 19 matches in 4 sets
Nadal has won 3 matches in 5 sets
Nadal has lost 2 matches in 4 sets
Nadal has lost 2 matches in 3 sets

Video game end boss on nightmare difficulty literally.

 

[kevaninho]

The real thing that is sad is that in hindsight he should have retired after the victory at Roland Garros 2022. So he would not have had a season like this 2024 where objectively, despite the many alibis in his defense, it was sad to see him lose all those matches on clay against opponents like De Minaur, Lehecka, Hurkacz and Borges who until 2022 on the surface would have been eaten in one bite. Furthermore, by retiring after the RG 2022 when he had the leadership of the slams won he could also leave that aura of mystery once Djokovic would have reached and surpassed him, as if to say that people might have thought that if he had not retired he would have led the ranking of slams won. And this is said by someone who doesn't give a damn about the Goat diatribe.

Why would anyone just retire at the top of the game?

Lets remember he was one match away from being in the first 3 slam finals of the season, for the first time in his career.

Of course hes not going to retire. These guys are elite sportsmen for a reason. Theyre not all like Nick K.

Father time is the only thing stopping them.

 

[Mustard]

It’s pretty astounding that his last tour-level match will have been against Djokovic as 6 Kings and Davis Cup aren’t counted as part of the tour.

Are Davis Cup matches not official anymore?

 

[Gazelle]

Out of respect for this big champion I will not publicly enjoy the Denadalization of tennis.

 

[Mustard]

Video game end boss on nightmare difficulty literally.

Harder to defeat than the boss of Neo Zeed at the end of The Revenge of Shinobi.

 

[jm1980]

Are Davis Cup matches not official anymore?

DC is still official

 

[Winner Sinner]

Why would anyone just retire at the top of the game?

Lets remember he was one match away from being in the first 3 slam finals of the season, for the first time in his career.

Of course hes not going to retire. These guys are elite sportsmen for a reason. Theyre not all like Nick K.

Father time is the only thing stopping them.

Yes, but in fact I talked about looking back, I didn't blame him (if he had decided to continue playing next year too then it would have been reprehensible).

 

[Mustard]

Why would anyone just retire at the top of the game?

Lets remember he was one match away from being in the first 3 slam finals of the season, for the first time in his career.

Of course hes not going to retire. These guys are elite sportsmen for a reason. Theyre not all like Nick K.

Father time is the only thing stopping them.

Most careers end on a whimper, even for all-time greats. A lot of people don't seem to realize that.

Even Sampras, who won the 2002 US Open in the last tournament he played, didn't just walk away immediately as is now falsely remembered by some people. Sampras fully intended to play in 2003, but didn't in the end. Sampras became a father in late 2002, and that was probably a big reason as to why he couldn't get back into tennis mode in 2003.

 

[Troicki’sCat]

No matter how hard we saw this coming and were expecting it, it really doesn’t make it any easier. Damn. Being 14 and watching 22 year old Rafa win Wimbledon for the first time as the young new great, now he’s 38, broken up and prehistoric by tennis standards. Tennis players really have such short careers compared to everyone else. I’m rambling cause I’m sad I guess, my childhood is further dead

Long live the clay court GOAT

 

[Djokodal Fan]

Rafa has given so many beautiful memories. I absolutely cannot forget that wimbledon 2008 final when all of my friend circle discussed about it the next day. That was the day the legend was born.

truly amazing athlete! You will be missed.

Tennis is never the same without this man