2009 French Open – Men's Singles 2009 French Open – Men's Singles Rafael Nadal was the four-time defending champion, but lost in the fourth round to Robin Söderling in a huge upset. This was Nadal's first defeat (of two) at the French Open, having won the title in all four of his previous appearances at Roland Garros since debuting in 2005. With Nadal's loss, there would be a first time French Open champion for 2009. Roger Federer beat Söderling in the final 6–1, 7–6, 6–4 to win his first French Open title, complete the career Grand Slam, and equal Pete Sampras' then-record of 14 Grand Slam
Rafael Nadal at age 24. He is the second male player, after Andre Agassi, to complete the singles Career Golden Slam. In 2011, Nadal was named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year. Rafael Nadal was born in Manacor, a town on the island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain to parents Ana María Parera and Sebastián Nadal. His father is a businessman, owner of an insurance company, glass and window company Vidres Mallorca, and the restaurant, Sa Punta. Rafael has a younger sister, María Isabel. His uncle, Miguel Ángel Nadal, is a retired professional footballer, who played for RCD Mallorca,