2013 French Open – Men's Singles
| Men's Singles | |
|---|---|
| 2013 French Open | |
| Champion |
 Rafael Nadal
|
| Runner-up |
David Ferrer
|
| Final score | 6–3, 6–2, 6–3 |
Rafael Nadal was the three-time defending champion and successfully defended his title by defeating compatriot and good friend David Ferrer who reached his first Grand Slam final 6–3, 6–2, 6–3.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were placed in the same half of the draw at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since the 2010 French Open. In their semifinal, they played a notably long match which lasted 4:37 hours and was dubbed one of the greatest matches to have ever been played and the best clay court match ever. Nadal eventually came through 6–4, 3–6, 6–1, 6–7, 9–7.
With Roger Federer's quarterfinal loss, a new French Open finalist was guaranteed from the bottom half of the draw, and David Ferrer successfully reached the final in straight sets, meaning there would be an all-Spanish Grand Slam final for the first time since 2002. In beating Ferrer in the final, Nadal became the first man in history to win any Grand Slam tournament eight times and overtook Björn Borg and Rod Laver in total Grand Slam titles with 12, tying with Australian Roy Emerson. He also tied with Max Decugis, who won eight titles when the tournament was only open to French club members.
Despite the victory, Nadal dropped one place down the rankings to world no. 5, in the week beginning 10 June 2013, following Ferrer's run to the final.
For the first time in his career, Rafael Nadal lost a set in both of the first two rounds. In the semi-finals, he faced off against world number one Novak Djokovic. In an epic five setter, Nadal triumphed 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (3-7), 9-7.
David Ferrer advanced to the final of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career. He did not lose a single set in the tournament before the final.
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