That allowed Federer to win the set, the only one dropped by Nadal all tournament. As they went to the changeover before the third set, Federer looked over his shoulder, perhaps making eye contact with his girlfriend in the stands — or perhaps sneaking a peek at that nearby trophy.

But Nadal was the one who took charge in the third set. Federer won the point on 13 of 14 trips to the net over the first two sets, then went 8-for-20 the rest of the way. Nadal had one passing winner over the first two sets, seven the rest of the way.

Midway through the third set, Federer stopped in the middle of a point, telling the chair umpire the ball was no good because it was too flat. That says something about Federer’s marvelous touch — when he’s at his best, the racket’s an extension of his hand — and about how hard they were hitting.

In some ways, it became a test of wills, and Nadal came out on top. He broke Federer to 2-0 in the third set and to 2-1 in the fourth. And that was pretty much it because Nadal was strong down the stretch, winning 18 of the last 20 points on his serve.

“It’s always hard to win a tournament,” said Nadal’s uncle and coach, Toni. “But if on top of it all you have to beat an opponent like Federer, it’s more than difficult.”

And yet Nadal did it again.

And, again, Federer is left to contemplate what could have been.

He’s won four titles at Wimbledon and three apiece at the U.S. Open and Australian Open, but failed each of the past two years in Paris to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win four straight majors and the sixth man with at least one championship from each Grand Slam.

About 1½ hours after leaving the court, Federer met up with his parents for consoling hugs and kisses on the cheek. The silver tray given to the runner-up was tucked under Mom’s arm, like a newspaper.

“You can’t win them all,” said Federer’s father, Robert. “But, honestly, what more can we ask for?”

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