Nadal was the four-time defending champion, but was defeated in the fourth round by Söderling. It was Nadal's first defeat at the French Open, having won the title in all four of his previous appearances since debuting in2005 and winning his first 31 matches. His loss guaranteed a first-time French Open champion. In the ten-year span from 2005 to2014, this was the only edition of the French Open not won by Nadal. Söderling's victory is widely regarded as one of the biggest upsets in tennis history.[3][4][5]
This was Federer's only French Open victory, as Nadal would dominate the tournament for the duration of both their careers. Until the2016 Wimbledon Championships, this was the last major whereNovak Djokovic failed to reach the quarterfinals. He lost toPhilipp Kohlschreiber in the third round.[6][7]
This was the last main draw major appearance for2004 champion and former world No. 5Gastón Gaudio.