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 record nine Grand Slam tournament finals. From 2006 to 2008, they played in every French Open and Wimbledon final, and also met in the title match of the 2009 Australian Open, the 2011 French Open and the 2017 Australian Open. Nadal won six of the nine, losing the first two Wimbledon finals. Four of these matches were five-set matches (2007 and 2008 Wimbledon, 2009 and 2017 Australian Open), and the 2008 Wimbledon final has been lauded as the greatest match ever by many long-time tennis analysts. Nadal is the only player who has competed and won against Federer in the