Nadal equals record by winning epic Rome final
15th May 2006
In what can be described as one of the best matches over the last years, if not ever, Rafael Nadal grabbed the Rome title and equalled Guillermo Vilas’ longstanding record. Nadal did need more than 5 hours to overcome Federer and also had to save 2 matchpoints, however.
The match cannot be described as anything else but a worthy way of equalling a record. The match swung back and forth, with Federer seemingly in control after winning the first set tie-break and leading 4-2 in the second set tie-break.
However, Nadal then took over control, scoring 4 points in a row to win the second set tie-break and then also winning the third set 6-4.
Then it was Federer’s turn to gain the upperhand, as he raced to an excellent 6-2 fourth set win.
The world number 1 seemingly had the Spanish youngster on his knees, gaining an important break at 2-1 up.
Adding a hard-fought servicegame to that, Federer was now leading 4-1 and needed only 2 more games for a famous victory.
After Nadal pegged one game back, Federer then began struggling with his servicegame, gifting away his advantage, now leading 4-3.
This break clearly increased Nadal’s confidence with the youngster clearly showing to his older opponent that he wasn’t going to be defeated.
Federer had a chance to win the match at 5-6 and 15-40, playing some of his best tennis on clay along the way. But the world number 1 failed to convert both opportunities, making 2 poor forehand errors.
Nadal then went on to claim his own servicegame, and eventually, also the match, as Federer continued to struggle on the important points.
The world number 1 gave away the match on a forehand that sailed long in the tie-break at 6-5 down, on his own serve.
In this match Federer did show that he is actually capable of defeating Nadal, promising a very interesting Roland Garros tournament, but will need to show more confidence on the crucial points.
Nadal, meanwhile, continues to go from strength to strength, having now equalled Guillermo Vilas’ longstanding 53-match winning streak on clay.
In order to extend the record Nadal will have to defeat German Tommy Haas in the first round of the Hamburg tournament in the upcoming week.
Semifinal results Rome:
Roger Federer (SUI,1) d. David Nalbandian (ARG,4) 6-3 3-6 7-6(5)
Rafael Nadal (ESP,2) d. Gael Monfils (FRA) 6-2 6-2
Final result Rome:
Rafael Nadal (ESP,2) vs. Roger Federer (SUI,1) 6-7(0) 7-6(5) 6-4 2-6 7-6(5)
Semifinal doubles results Rome:
Jonathan Erlich/Andy Ram (ISR,6) d. Fernando Gonzalez/Nicolas Massu (CHI) 6-3 5-7 10-5 (match tie-break)
Mark Knowles/Daniel Nestor (BAH/CAN,3) d. Jonas Bjorkman/Max Mirnyi (SWE/BLR,2) 6-3 7-6(5)
Final doubles result Rome:
Mark Knowles/Daniel Nestor (BAH/CAN,3) d. Jonathan Erlich/Andy Ram (ISR,6) 6-4 5-7 13-11 (match tie-break)
No Tags