Flashback: The first Federer vs. Nadal showdown at the 2006 Nitto ATP Finals
After meeting once in 2004 and twice in 2005, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal ramped up their Lexus ATP Head2Head rivalry with six matchups during the 2006 season. Nadal won the first four of those meetings — finals at Dubai, Monte-Carlo, Rome and Roland Garros — before Federer snapped back with victories in the Wimbledon final and in the semis at the Nitto ATP Finals, then known as the Tennis Masters Cup.
With a 6-4, 7-5 win on his way to the title at the season finale, Federer stamped his authority on the prestigious event with his third of an eventual six trophies at the event.
“These are matches I’m waiting for, to beat the best who are coming after me,” Federer said after the semi-final victory.
With Nadal responsible for four of Federer’s five defeats in 2006, the Shanghai victory carried added significance for the Swiss, who ended the year with a 92-5 record according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. The only other man to beat Federer that year was Andy Murray in Cincinnati. After that defeat, Federer closed the season on a 29-match winning streak.
Prior to their Shanghai meeting, seven consecutive matchups between Federer and Nadal saw the losing player claim at least one set. Federer’s dominant performance at the Shanghai season finale ended that streak, putting an exclamation mark on one of the best seasons in ATP Tour history.
One of the bests exchanges of the match came in its final point, when Federer carved a forehand winner off a tough Nadal drop shot. The Swiss briefly dropped to his knees in celebration, showcasing the magnitude of the moment.
“It was a good feeling, usually I only have that for finals,” said the Swiss. “I rarely finish my matches like this so it was nice.”
Federer went on to win the title with a 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 victory against James Blake in the final.
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