Top 5 Miami Finals, No. 1: Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal, 2005
The epic clash was the start of a new rivalry—and a new era for tennis.`
We’re ranking the Top 5 Miami finals this week (you can view our ranking of the Top 5 Indian Wells finals here).
No. 5: 2013 saw Andy Murray defeat David Ferrer.
Fourth: Jennifer Capriati vs. Venus Williams, 2001
No. 3: Gustavo Kuerten vs. Pete Sampras, 2000
No. 2: Justine Henin vs. Serena Williams, 2007
No. 1: Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer, 2005
We typically identify Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal matches with classic tennis venues such as Wimbledon, Roland Garros, Rome, and Melbourne. However, their rivalry began 20 years ago in Miami. At Crandon Park in 2004, the Swiss and the Spaniard played their first of 40 meetings. They used the same court for their second match, which was also the first of their 24 finals, twelve months later.
In addition to being their first memorable encounter, the second meeting gave us a preview of what was to come in the ensuing fifteen years. Millions of tennis fans were also introduced to Rafael Nadal during the four-hour, five-set thriller. Just eighteen years old, he was competing in his first Masters 1000 final and three months away from winning his first Roland Garros championship.
Rafa has little issue drawing attention from others. His yelling “Vamos!” and leaping fistpumps were unique to the sport, as were his flamboyant, sleeveless shirts and long pirate pants.
The most astonishing thing of all was how Nadal confronted Federer, something that at the time not many other professionals could do. Federer was coming off a season in which he won three major titles and had been ranked number one for over a year.
During this encounter, Rafael Nadal was seen by many for the first time, and he undoubtedly made an impression.
However, Rafa emerged victorious from the start, hitting victories with groundstrokes from both sides, taking the opening set 6-2. The prevailing opinion has always been that Federer’s one-handed backhand was mostly vulnerable to Nadal’s left-handed forehand, which is why Federer was so successful against him. Although such dynamics existed in this game, Rafa’s diving and accurate passing attempts caused the greatest harm. Nadal was ahead early on, even when Federer came in behind a forehand.
This match played out similarly to their most well-known match, which was the 2008 Wimbledon final. Every time, Federer survived the storm and took a break in the second set, but Nadal fought back to grab that set and go up two sets to love. On both occasions, Nadal came out firing and won the opening set. Rafa didn’t stop there in Miami. After leading 4-1 in the third, it appeared like he would win easily. Federer appeared so defeated following yet another brilliant Nadal pass that he essentially stopped sprinting during one trip to the net.
Federer remarked, “It’s hard being down two sets to love.” You’re aware of his confidence.Really, all I wanted to do was be with him.
Although, as of 2005, Federer had only managed two comebacks from a two-set deficit, he would later become known for them. In this instance, Federer received some assistance from Rafael Nadal, who at last showed signs of anxiety by making some hesitant strokes. This was a “regular thing” for Federer for another ten years, as Federer lost five consecutive games to Nadal after this match. Playing with the perseverance and faith required to win major championships and mount comebacks, however, would solidify his fame. The finish line is in sight. Both the 4-1 advantage and the lead in the third-set tiebreaker were given away by Nadal. At 5-6, Federer’s nervous backhand went long, so he pumped his fist and gave a little swagger as he made his way to the sidelines. He was back in the game.
Federer had, in fact, completely reversed the course of events by breaking through the barrier. Over the following two sets, he would only lose four more games as he found his forehand’s range and a worn-out Nadal was a step slower on defense. Federer raised his arm in celebration of his first victory over Rafa following the final point, and it was evident that he was relieved and happy.
Federer maintained emotional control despite being behind. But he was clearly relieved to have won.
In response to Nadal’s challenge, Federer remarked, “This is a big moment in my career.” “To actually come back, especially in the finals against a player of this caliber, this is not what I’m used to doing.”
Victories over Rafa wouldn’t
