Photo Gallery: Rafael Nadal “King of Clay” dominance at the French Open over the years

Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay is arguably one of the best clay court players of all time. The Spaniard has won the French Open an astonishing 13 times and defeated Novak Djokovic in the finals of the French Open 2020 to claim his 13th French Open title. Nadal has just lost twice at the Roland Garros in 15 years and his won-loss record stands in Paris stands at 100-2.

He has won the French Open in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.

Below is the journey of Rafael Nadal’s 13 French Open titles in pictures

Rafael Nadal was the man to beat in Paris after winning three consecutive titles at the French Open. Roger Federer’s wait for a Career Grandslam continued, as he failed to beat Rafael Nadal on the red clay. At the end of 2007, the Spaniard’s record in Paris stood at 21-0.

2009 was the year when Rafael Nadal’s unbeaten run in Paris was ended by Robin Soderling. The Swede went onto reach the finals, where he lost to Roger Federer in straight sets. However, Rafael Nadal avenged his loss just a year later in 2010, when he defeated Soderling in the finals to claim his fifth title at Roland Garros.

2011-2014 was a period where Novak Djokovic announced himself on the big stage and dominated tennis. However, Nadal continued to win in Paris, and won in four consecutive years from 2011-2014, which includes two wins over Novak Djokovic in 2012 and 2014.

Rafael Nadal was defeated in the quarterfinals of French Open 2015 by Novak Djokovic in straight sets. However, the Serbian lost the finals to Stan Wawrinka. In 2016, Nadal had to withdraw after from the tournament after an injury he picked up in Paris. In 2017, he claimed his tenth title at French Open, and his first in three years. In the next two years, he defeated Dominic Thiem in the finals to claim his 11th and 12th title respectively.

2020 was a strange year for many reasons. The French Open was delayed by three months owing to the covid-19 pandemic, and many believed that Rafael Nadal would falter in Paris this time. However, Rafael Nadal’s performance at the French Open 2020 was one of his best so far, as he claimed his 14th title without even dropping a set. More importantly, he humbled Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the finals.

List of French Open titles won by Rafael Nadal and opponents beaten in the final, year-wise:

Also Read: Can Novak Djokovic stop Rafael Nadal to equal Roger Federer’s record of 20 grand slams?

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