Roger Federer recently reminisced about facing Rafael Nadal in the final of the 2005 Miami Open, which was their second career encounter on the ATP tour. Fans were ecstatic at the Swiss maestro getting nostalgic over the match, especially since it took place around this time nineteen years ago.
Federer, the undisputed World No. 1 in March 2005, faced the then-World No. 31 for the title in Miami, marking their first meeting in an ATP final. The Spaniard had defeated the Swiss at Key Biscayne a year prior, defeating him 6-3, 6-3 in the third round of the tournament.
Roger Federer came prepared for Rafael Nadal’s challenge in 2005, though. Although he fell behind two sets to love and was a break down in the third set, the then-four-time Major winner showed incredible resilience to rally to a 2-6, 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-3, 6-1 win in three hours and 43 minutes.
