French Open 2012: Rafael Nadal Leads As Men's Final Enters Rain Delay

Finally, something has succeeded in stymieing Rafael Nadal's dominance on the red clay of Roland Garros: rain. The Spaniard leads Novak Djokovic, 6-4, 5-3, in the men's singles final of the 2012 French Open, but play has been suspended for a rain delay.

Nadal had just run off three straight games to erase Djokovic's only lead of the match at 3-2 in the second set, and was about to serve to go up two sets to none. But rain had fallen throughout much of that run, and intensified at the end of it, so play has been halted and both players have returned to the locker room.

It's likely frustrating for both Nadal and Djokovic, but Nadal had done his part to flummox Djokovic, aiming to hold all four major titles at once, in the second set. His defense left the Serbian star exasperated repeatedly, so much so that he belted his bench with his racket, opening a gash.

You can see a full French Open scoreboard at SI.com.

For more updates on the 2012 French Open, keep checking SB Nation's dedicated tennis hub.