Rafael Nadal’s loss to Robin Soderling at the 2009 French Open was one of the most shocking upsets in tennis history.
Nadal, a then-four-time defending champion at Roland Garros and widely considered unbeatable on clay, was defeated in the fourth round by Soderling in four sets, 6-2, 6-7(2), 6-4, 7-6(2).
This marked the Spaniard’s first-ever loss at the French Open after 31 consecutive victories. Soderling’s aggressive, fearless play overwhelmed Nadal that day, and it remains one of the most memorable moments in tennis.
Nadal later talked about his loss during a press conference and said:
“I said 100 times, I don’t believe on revenges, nothing of this. Every match is a different match. I went on court, try my best what I did all my life.”
“I didn’t thought, no one second, on the Roland Garros match. Is completely different conditions. The moment is completely different, too. So doesn’t affect nothing, the Roland Garros match.”
