Fashion Shakers: In 2010, a new Nadal ran through Roland Garros 

Illustration by Leah Goren

What’s Roland Garros without Rafael Nadal? The Spaniard has proven to be the most dominant player on the red clay for quite some time.

It may seem as if he claims the title every season, but in 2009—in the prime of his career—he came up short when he fell to Robin Soderling in the fourth round.

You likely remember that match for Soderling's booming serves and forehands, which left Nadal uncharacteristically helpless on his favorite surface. But tennis fashionheads likely recall what Rafa was wearing that day: a pink, yellow and navy blue number that was a more refined look for him than usual.

In 2010, Nadal came back to Paris new and improved.

Donning a geometric seafoam green and icy blue shirt, there was something different about Rafa than what fans were used to seeing. Was it the freedom of no longer maintaining an undefeated record on the terre battue, or was it simply a new chapter in his career? Either way, everything changed for Rafa in the new decade.

It was still boldly colored, like in his fresh-on-tour days, but no biceps could be seen as they were now covered by sleeves. (Nadal eschewed the sleeveless tops and capri pants starting with the 2009 Australian Open, which he won, though injuries would eventually derail his season.) It was a fresh start for Spain’s star player, who was eager to take the crown once more and showcase an even higher level of play.

The saying goes, “if you look good, you play good.” Nadal certainly proved that true.

Not only was Nadal’s outfit a complete 360, but he let go of some of his luscious locks and revealed a shorter hairstyle at the major event. Nadal’s look, along with his gritty and consistent game, were looking better than ever, and it’s no surprise that he captured the result he was hungry for.

In the final round, Nadal got exactly what he was looking for and was dressed for revenge. Standing across the net was none other than Soderling, and the four-time champion showed no mercy. Nadal chased down every shot and gave the Swede no opportunities to repeat history, winning 6-1, 6-3, 6-0. He painted lines in his colorful attire and wore a lime green headband that still gave him just enough edge that his sleeveless shirts did in the past.

The style overhaul saw him complete a new record: Nadal became the first player to win all four-principal clay-court titles—in Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Paris—in the same season.

He would go on to win Wimbledon and the US Open, too.

The saying goes, “if you look good, you play good.” Nadal certainly proved that true.

WATCH: Rafael Nadal wins Roland Garros for the 13th time by defeating Novak Djokovic in the 2020 final.