Top 3 performances by Rafael Nadal in Roland Garros finals

#2 Roland Garros 2012 vs Novak Djokovic

2012 French Open - Nadal's winning moment

In the late spring of 2012 at Paris, Nadal and Novak Djokovic stood on opposite sides of the net. They were challenging each other yet again for a Grand Slam title, for the 4th consecutive time to be precise, with the Serb having outclassed the Spaniard on the three previous occasions.

The result was destined to rewrite history as Nadal was then chasing his 7th title at Roland Garros, trying to eclipse Bjorn Borg’s six French Open crowns. On the other hand, Djokovic, the holder of the three previous Slams, was trying to become first man since Rod Laver to hold each of the four Slams at the same time.

Nadal was clearly the one under more pressure as his clay legacy was at stake. Another loss to Djokovic would have confirmed that the Serb had conquered every single Nadal stronghold.

But the Spaniard, who didn’t lose a single set en route the final, showed nerves of steel and incredible resilience. He stood within touching distance of victory at 6-4, 6-3, 2-0, before a break of serve gave Djokovic some momentum.

The Serb won the next eight games in a row, pocketing the third set 6-2 and also gaining the ascendancy in the 4th with a 2-0 lead. Djokovic had staged a remarkable comeback from a position of despair and desperation.

But that was when the rain arrived, and the break helped the King of Clay. He came back stronger the next day to complete the unfinished business, gathering himself to finally defeat Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 and ascertain himself once again as the champion on red dirt.

The win against the in-form Djokovic to record his 7th French Open crown and go past Borg would have been one of most satisfying victories of Nadal’s illustrious career..