Rafael Nadal’s unparalleled dominance at the French Open has been celebrated in a new Eurosport documentary, Nadal, the King of Paris, which not only highlights his staggering 14 titles at Roland Garros but also revisits his epic rivalry with Roger Federer. Spanish tennis legend Alex Corretja labeled Nadal as Federer’s “worst nightmare” on clay, particularly referencing Nadal’s emphatic win at the 2008 French Open final.
In that match, Nadal demolished Federer, dropping only four games in straight sets. This defeat marked Federer’s worst loss in a Grand Slam final and solidified Nadal’s reign on clay. Corretja reflected on the moment, saying, “Roger Federer was the king—the elegance, the class. Then on clay, best of five, against Rafa, he was his worst nightmare.”
Nadal’s rivalry with Federer began in 2004 at the Miami Open, where a 17-year-old Nadal stunned the World No. 1. Over their 40 encounters, Nadal leads 24-16, with their Roland Garros battles shaping tennis history. Their rivalry remains one of the sport’s most celebrated chapters.
