When Rafael Nadal cried after Roger Federer's historic title

• Tennis News
• Rafael Nadal

Roger Federer claimed his only Roland Garros crown in 2009, beating Robin Soderling in the title clash. Thus, the Swiss wrote history, becoming a selected player with a calendar Grand Slam. Rafael Nadal had defeated Roger at Roland Garros for four straight years before the Swiss went all the way, with the Spaniard feeling mixed emotions during and after the final.

Initially, Rafa wanted Roger to lose to Robin. However, he cried after his great rival won the match, happy about Roger's achievement, as we well deserved it. Nadal lost to Soderling in the fourth round, and Federer used his opportunity, prevailing against Tommy Haas and Juan Martin del Potro to reach the title clash.

Roger took down Robin 6-1, 7-6, 6-4 in an hour and 55 minutes, achieving the career Grand Slam at 27. Federer blasted 16 aces, and his first serve worked like a charm. It allowed him free points or a good position for a groundstroke attack, leaving Robin with no answer.

Soderling dropped serve four times and could not spoil Federer's party despite a valiant effort in sets two and three. The Swiss lost only 17 points on serve, fending off both break points and mounting the pressure on the other side.

Federer had twice as many winners as his opponent, dominating the shortest and mid-range exchanges to forge the triumph and join tennis immortals.

Roger Federer achieved the career Grand Slam in Paris 2009.

Roger grabbed the opening set in no time, barely losing a point on serve and scoring breaks in games one, three and seven for 6-1.

The Swede fought well in set number two, keeping his opponent away from break points and reaching the tie break. Federer stayed focused and won it 7-1, playing on a higher level in the crucial moments and moving closer to the finish line and a big celebration.

Soderling got broken in the third set's first game, which proved to be the pivotal moment. The Swede wasted break chances in games four and ten to propel the Swiss over the finish line and toward tennis history. "At that time, I did not want Roger to win Roland Garros 2009; that's reality.

On the other hand, I love sport a lot. I had beaten Roger in three consecutive Roland Garros finals, and he deserved to win it after being so close. Roger achieved a career Grand Slam, and I got emotional and cried at home. Roger was chasing that title for years, and once he won it, I got emotional.

It was not the best scenario in our battle for Major trophies, but it was time for him to complete a Grand Slam," Rafael Nadal said.