Rafael Nadal was the defending champion and successfully defended his title, defeating long-time rival Roger Federer 7–5, 7–6(7–3), 5–7, 6–1 to win the Men's Singles tennis title at the 2011 French Open, tying him with Björn Borg for most in the Open Era. It was the fourth time Nadal had defeated Federer in the Roland Garros final and the fifth time overall. In the first round, the Spaniard played his first five-set match at Roland Garros since his debut in 2005, beating John Isner. Federer was trying to become the first male player in the Open Era and the third man overall to achieve a double career Grand Slam.