The third time was not the charm for NBC Sunday morning.
The third straight meeting between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the French Open final did not captivate viewers, as Nadal’s 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 dismantling of Federer drew a 1.8 overnight, down 18% from a 2.2 last year.
Part of the low rating can be attributed to the fact that the match was not competitive. In previous years, Federer was at least able to win one set against Nadal.
The 1.8 overnight is the lowest for the men’s final at the French Open since 2003, when the Juan Carlos Ferrero/Martin Verkerk final drew the same rating.
The women’s final on Saturday, featuring Ana Ivanovic versus Dinara Safina, also drew a 1.8 overnight, though that was even with last year. Each of the past three years, the women’s final at the French Open has drawn a 1.8.
Overnight ratings for the men’s final at the French Open.
1.8/5: 2008, Nadal def. Federer (Sun., 6/8, 9 AM NBC)
2.2/6: 2007, Nadal def. Federer (Sun., 6/10, 9 AM NBC)
2.1/6: 2006, Nadal def. Federer (Sun., 6/11, 9 AM NBC)
2.0/6: 2005, Nadal def. Puerta (Sun., 6/5, 9 AM NBC)
2.1/6: 2004, Gaudio def. Coria (Sun., 6/6, 9 AM NBC)
1.8/5: 2003, Ferrero def. Verkerk (Sun., 6/8, 9 AM NBC)
