Two-time defending champion Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic in the final, 6–4, 6–3, 2–6, 7–5 to win the men's singles tennis title at the 2012 French Open.

He also equaled Chris Evert's all-gender record for the most French Open singles titles overall.

Djokovic was attempting to complete a non-calendar-year Grand Slam and to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four major titles at once, having won the preceding Wimbledon, US Open, and Australian Open (all won over Nadal in the final).

Until this tournament, Djokovic had not won a set against Nadal in their three previous encounters at the French Open.

As the weather worsened, Nadal's game was negatively affected which allowed Djokovic to get back into the match.