The French Open final is upon us and we’re hoping for a classic, so let’s remember a few classic finals from the past…
1. Gaston Gaudio d. Guillermo Coria - 2004
0–6, 3–6, 6–4, 6–1, 8–6 – 2004
One of the biggest upsets in tennis and foreshadowing career meltdowns from both players.
2. Albert Costa d. Juan Carlos Ferrero – 2002
6–1, 6–0, 4–6, 6–3
A nervous Ferrero never got going but would win the title the following year in an uninspiring final.
3. Gustavo Kuerten d. Alex Corretja – 2001
6–7(3–7), 7–5, 6–2, 6–0
The 3rd and final French crown for Guga with Corretja putting up a gutsy display.
4. Rafael Nadal d. Roger Federer – 2006
1–6, 6–1, 6–4, 7–6(7–4)
One of the classic Roger-Rafa finals.
5. Roger Federer d. Robin Soderling – 2009
6–1, 7–6(7–1), 6–4
Roger completes his career slam in a Rafa-less final.
6. Thomas Muster d. Michael Chang – 1995
7–5, 6–2, 6–4
Muster’s career year highlighted by winning a deserved French title.
7. Gustavo Kuerten d. Sergi Bruguera – 1997
6–3, 6–4, 6–2
A remarkable story for the 67th ranked Kuerten at the time with victories over 3 former champions, Kafelnikov, Bruguera and Muster.
8. Andre Agassi d. Andrei Medvedev – 1999
1–6, 2–6, 6–4, 6–3, 6–4
Agassi completed his career slam with a 0-2 set comeback. An historic day in tennis.
9. Sergi Bruguera d. Jim Courier – 1993
6–4, 2–6, 6–2, 3–6, 6–3
A changing of the guard after Courier had ruled the dirt for 2 years. A new king of clay was in town.
10. Jim Courier d. Andre Agassi – 1991
3–6, 6–4, 2–6, 6–1, 6–4
A classic from the 2 Americans. A very different Agassi would eventually win it in 1999, while Courier was unstoppable in 1991.
Here’s a compilation of some of the greatest French Open finals of all time:
