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Things weren't going smoothly for the three-time defending champion, who had survived two four-setters against unseeded players. After ousting sometimes-tormentor Fabio Fognini, was Rafa's next opponent going to present another test? Nishikori was a fine player, but Nadal had dropped just one set against him in their four meetings. A straight-set victory was exactly what Nadal needed on his special day. He would go on to win his eighth French Open title, toughing out an edge-of-your-seat, five-set thriller against Djokovic in the semifinals, before routing first-time major finalist David Ferrer.