Roger Federer was a dominant figure in men’s tennis in 2004. The Swiss remained a player to beat in 2005, but he had company at the top, with Rafael Nadal becoming world number 2 and distancing himself from the players below him and Federer.
The young Spaniard claimed no fewer than 11 ATP titles that year, completing one of the most excellent teen seasons in the game’s history and matching Roger’s number of titles. Nadal clinched the Monte Carlo, Rome and Roland Garros crowns for his first notable trophies, and he battled for another in Montreal.
The Spaniard did not drop serve in the first three matches in Canada, beating Sébastien Grosjean 6-4 6-4 in one hour and 40 minutes in the third round to reach the quarterfinals. Speaking of his improvements on hard court, Nadal brought up that memorable Miami final against Federer in March, the one he had in his hands before it slipped away.
Rafa became the second youngest Masters 1000 finalist, after Michael Chang, and had a great opportunity to defeat Roger for the second year in a row in Florida. After an incredible battle, Roger prevailed 2-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 6-1 in three hours and 43 minutes, staging one of his most excellent comebacks. .
after losing two sets to nil and 4-1 in the third. The Swiss secured the third set tiebreaker after losing 5-3, building momentum and not looking back for the remainder of the clash. Federer kept up the pressure on the other side and sealed the deal in style in the decider.
Nadal fell within two points of a 5-4 victory in the third set and again in the tie break, unable to make that final push and beat the best player in the world. The Spaniard saved two set points in the second set and stole it in the tiebreaker to build a massive lead.
Nadal slipped to No. 6 in the rankings
Rafael NadalIncredible top-10 streak is coming to an end in the coming weeks, feels noted tennis coach and commentator Brad Gilbert. «If the calculations in my brain are correct, the incredible streak that he’s had of the first 10 consecutive weeks, which is 18 consecutive years, believe it or not, is going to come to an end,» Brad Gilbert said on a recent episode of The Celebrating court with the Patrick McEnroe podcast.
«He’s going to be in a different position in the draft,» Gilbert continued. «But first and foremost, you just want to see him healthy. If he’s going to be healthy and he’s going to be seeded 11 or 12 in these tournaments, it’s going to be a tough draw for somebody. That’s all I’m hoping for. If he’s healthy, he’s going to win matches and get it right,» he added.
