Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played an incredible match in the 2005 Miami Open final. Roger ousted Rafa 2-6, 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-3, 6-1 in three hours and 43 minutes in one of the best ATP finals in the last 20 years! Rafa led 6-2, 7-6, 4-1 and moved closer to the finish line when Roger performed one of his finest comebacks and dominated sets four and five to emerge at the top.
A year ago, Nadal defeated Federer in straight sets in Miami, stunning world no. 1 at 17. Twelve months later, Rafa became the second-youngest Masters 1000 finalist in Miami and had everything in his hands against a great rival.
The Spaniard stood two points from sealing the deal before the Swiss bounced back and stole the title from him. The Swiss took the third set tie break and played better and better as the match progressed to lift the first Miami Masters and a “Sunshine Double.” Roger won seven points more than his rival and was two points away from losing in the third set’s tenth game and again in the tie break.
Nadal had a 5-3 advantage and a serve for 6-3 and possible match points, which never happened. Federer won four points in a row to steal the set in a pivotal moment of the encounter. He dropped four games in sets four and five to march toward the finish line and grab the maiden crown…
