See main article: 2012 French Open.
Two-time defending champion Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic in the final, 6–4, 6–3, 2–6, 7–5 to win the men's singles tennis title at the 2012 French Open.[1] It was his record-breaking seventh French Open title and eleventh major title overall, surpassing Björn Borg's Open Era record of six French Open men's singles titles and equaling Pete Sampras' Wimbledon record for men's singles titles at one major in the Open Era. He also equaled Chris Evert's all-gender record for the most French Open singles titles overall.[2] [3] Nadal lost just one set during the tournament, to Djokovic in the final.
Djokovic was attempting to complete a non-calendar-year Grand Slam and to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four major titles at once, having won the previous year's Wimbledon and US Open titles as well as this year's Australian Open (all won over Nadal in the final). Instead, it was Djokovic's fourth consecutive loss to Nadal at Roland Garros. Until this tournament, Djokovic had not won a set against Nadal in their three previous encounters at the French Open.
Roger Federer was attempting to become the first man in the Open Era and the third man ever to achieve a double career Grand Slam, but he lost to Djokovic in the semifinals in a rematch of the previous year's semifinal.
Due to rain, play in the final was delayed multiple times. At one point, Nadal led two sets to none and was up 2–0 in the third set. As the weather worsened, Nadal's game was negatively affected which allowed Djokovic to get back into the match.[4] [5] The match was finally suspended until the following day, with Nadal ahead 6–4, 6–3, 2–6, 1–2 and Djokovic serving.[6] When play resumed, Nadal won two straight games and six of the last nine.
This was the last major appearance for 2001 Australian Open finalist and former world No. 10 Arnaud Clement, and the last French Open appearance for 2003 champion and former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero and for former world No. 1 Andy Roddick.
See main article: 2012 French Open – Men's singles qualifying.