Gastón Gaudio defeatedGuillermo Coria in the final, 0–6, 3–6, 6–4, 6–1, 8–6 to win the men's singles tennis title at the2004 French Open.[1][2] It was his first and onlymajor title, and he was the first Argentine to win a men's singles major sinceGuillermo Vilas at the1979 Australian Open. Gaudio came from two sets down,saved two championship points, and twice broke Coria's serve when the latter was serving for the championship. This remains the most recent men's singles major to be won by an unseeded player.
This was the first major whereRoger Federer competed as theworld No. 1. He lost in the third round to former No. 1 and three-time championGustavo Kuerten, his last pre-quarterfinal exit from a major until the2013 Wimbledon Championships (a run of 36 quarterfinals or better in a row). This would also be Federer's only loss this year at the majors, as he would win the upcomingWimbledon andUS Open. Future 14-time championRafael Nadal withdrew prior to the tournament due to an ankle injury sustained inEstoril in April.[3][4] This was the last time that none of theBig Three reached the round of 16 at a major until the2024 US Open.