Flashback| 2006 Rome Open Final: Rafael Nadal outlasts Roger Federer in a five set thriller that cemented a rivalry

The 2006 Rome Open final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer stands as one of the most iconic matches in tennis history, marking a pivotal moment in their legendary rivalry. Played on May 14, 2006, this absolute clay-court classic lasted for five hours and five minutes, with Rafa prevailing 6-7(0), 7-6(5), 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(5) in a dramatic five set battle at the Foro Italico.

At just 19 years old, Rafa Nadal was already the dominant force on clay, riding and astonishing 52-match winning streak on the surface. This victory extended that streak to 53, equaling the record previously set by Argentina's legendary Guillermo Vilas, cementing the Spaniard as the absolute 'King of Clay' -and boy...he was just getting started.

Back then, every final match of the Masters Series events was played to the best of five. Roger Federer at the time was the world No. 1 and the reigning maestro of the sport, entered the match determined to challenge Rafa's supremacy. He came up with a new strategy to upset Nadal: disrupting his rhythm coming to the net. The plan worked and allowed the swiss maestro to take the first set, but as the match progressed, Rafa began to find his spots.

Nadal came from behind in the second an managed to win it in a tight breaker and with that impulse, he then won the third as well, pushing Federer to his limit.

But Roger fought back, and in a quick turn of events won the fourth with authority and headed to the fifth with the upper hand. Federer surged ahead 4-1 in the final set and held two match points at 5-6 to put this Nadal's challenge finally behind, but it was at that point that the Spaniard resilience shone through, as he saved both match points and forced a decisive tiebreak.

That final tiebreak was a microcosm of the match's intensity. Fed led 5-3 and had the chance to close it out, but a crucial mishit forehand allowed Rafa to claw back once again an this time he wasn't going to look back.

The match was such an intense rollercoaster that it's well remembered still to this day. Rafael Nadal went nuclear on clay that season, winning everything he played and finishing with an absurd 26-0 record. This 2006 Rome Masters final not only showcased two of the greatest players at their peak but also set the tone for a two decade-long rivalry that defined men’s tennis.