Thanks for the memories: Rafael Nadal's 14 French Open titles and six unforgettable Grand Slam finals

Rafael Nadal's dominance at the French Open has forever left its mark on tennis history. Across an illustrious career, Nadal secured 14 French Open titles, winning 112 matches and losing only four since his debut in 2005.

His reign on the Parisian clay is unmatched, a feat that has been a key pillar of his 22 Grand Slam triumphs. Here's a look back at Nadal's 14 title wins at Roland Garros and six of his most memorable Grand Slam finals.

The 14 French Open triumphs

2005: bt Mariano Puerta (ARG) 6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 7-5

Nadal, just 19, became the youngest Grand Slam winner since Michael Chang in 1989, clinching his first French Open title on his debut, emulating Mats Wilander's feat from 1982. His opponent, Puerta, was later banned for failing a drugs test.

2006: bt Roger Federer (SUI) 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6

Nadal was the first man to beat Federer in a Grand Slam final, denying him the opportunity to hold all four major titles simultaneously. This victory extended Nadal's unbeaten streak on clay to 60 matches.

2007: bt Roger Federer (SUI) 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4

Nadal became the first player since Bjorn Borg in 1980 to win three consecutive French Open titles.

2008: bt Roger Federer (SUI) 6-1, 6-3, 6-0

In one of his most dominant performances, Nadal handed Federer his worst Grand Slam defeat. Nadal also claimed the title without dropping a set, joining Ilie Nastase and Borg as the only men to achieve this in the Open era.

2010: bt Robin Soderling (SWE) 6-4, 6-2, 6-4

After suffering his first and only defeat at Roland Garros to Soderling a year earlier, Nadal got his revenge, winning the title without losing a set and regaining the world number one ranking.

2011: bt Roger Federer (SUI) 7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1

Nadal equalled Borg's record of six French Open titles and took his Grand Slam tally to 10. Federer had ended Novak Djokovic's 43-match winning streak in the semi-finals, but Nadal was once again too strong.

2012: bt Novak Djokovic (SRB) 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5

Nadal broke Borg's record with his seventh French Open title, ending Djokovic's bid to hold all four majors at once. Rain delayed the match until Monday, adding drama as Djokovic was leading in the fourth set when the stoppage occurred.

2013: bt David Ferrer (ESP) 6-3, 6-2, 6-3

Nadal easily defeated his compatriot Ferrer to claim his eighth French Open title. However, the real challenge came in the semi-final against Djokovic, where Nadal won a gruelling 4-hour, 37-minute match.

2014: bt Novak Djokovic (SRB) 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4

In their second final clash in three years, Nadal won his ninth French Open title. The win also secured his 14th Grand Slam, tying him with Pete Sampras for second on the all-time list.

2017: bt Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 6-2, 6-3, 6-1

Nadal became the first man to win the same major 10 times, defeating Wawrinka in his most lopsided final victory since 2008. His 15th Grand Slam triumph added another layer to his legendary status.

2018: bt Dominic Thiem (AUT) 6-4, 6-3, 6-2

Nadal cruised past Thiem to win his 17th Grand Slam title, though not without some drama. He needed medical attention in the third set for a finger injury, but ultimately closed out the match comfortably.

2019: bt Dominic Thiem (AUT) 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1

Nadal defeated Thiem in the final for the second consecutive year, securing his 12th French Open title. Despite dropping a set, Nadal stormed through the third and fourth sets, extending his win-loss record at Roland Garros to 93-2.

2020: bt Novak Djokovic (SRB) 6-0, 6-2, 7-5

In a tournament delayed by the pandemic and played in front of a small crowd, Nadal crushed Djokovic to win his 13th French Open title. The victory also tied him with Federer's record of 20 Grand Slam titles, hailed by Federer as "one of sport's greatest achievements."

2022: bt Casper Ruud (NOR) 6-3, 6-3, 6-0

Despite a foot injury that plagued him throughout the tournament, Nadal secured his 14th French Open title by demolishing Ruud. It was his 112th win at Roland Garros, cementing his legacy as the King of Clay.

Six unforgettable Grand Slam finals

2005 French Open: bt Mariano Puerta (ARG) 6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 7-5

The final that began Nadal's clay-court legacy. At just 19, he defeated Puerta, who would later serve a doping suspension. Nadal's 2005 victory was just the start of his dominance at Roland Garros.

2008 Wimbledon: bt Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7

Considered one of the greatest tennis matches ever, Nadal dethroned Federer in an epic final lasting 4 hours and 48 minutes. Rain delays, fading light, and breathtaking tennis made this a legendary contest. Federer saved match points in the fourth set, but Nadal eventually won, collapsing in relief as darkness descended.

2009 Australian Open: bt Roger Federer 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2

Nadal's relentless energy and remarkable endurance saw him overcome Federer again, winning his first Australian Open after a gruelling five-setter. It followed an exhausting semi-final win that lasted over five hours.

2012 Australian Open: lost to Novak Djokovic 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5

Though Nadal lost, this match is remembered for its sheer intensity and length. After 5 hours and 53 minutes, Djokovic emerged victorious in the longest Grand Slam final in history. Both players were exhausted by the end, needing chairs during the trophy ceremony.

2013 US Open: bt Novak Djokovic 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1

Nadal's resurgence after knee injuries was capped with this victory, his second US Open title. The final was a pulsating affair, featuring a 54-shot rally as Nadal triumphed in four sets.

2022 Australian Open: bt Daniil Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5

In a stunning comeback, Nadal overturned a two-set deficit to beat Medvedev, securing his 21st Grand Slam title. It was the second time Nadal defeated the Russian in a major final, completing one of his greatest victories.

A legacy like no other

Rafael Nadal's journey through Grand Slam history is defined by resilience, dominance, and moments of magic. His 14 French Open titles and unforgettable battles on tennis's biggest stages have made him an icon of the sport. From Paris to Melbourne, New York, and beyond, his achievements will resonate through the annals of tennis for generations.