‘I had a massive advantage over Roger Federer’
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Roger Federer was a dominant figure in men’s tennis in 2004. The Swiss remained a player to beat in 2005, but he got a company at the top, with Rafael Nadal becoming world no. 2 and distancing himself from the players below him and Federer.
The young Spaniard claimed no less than 11 ATP titles that year, completing one of the most excellent seasons for teenagers in the game’s history and matching Roger’s number of titles. Nadal claimed crowns in Monte Carlo, Rome and Roland Garros for his first notable trophies, fighting for another in Montreal.
The Spaniard did not lose serve in the first three matches in Canada, beating Sebastien Grosjean 6-4, 6-4 in an hour and 40 minutes in the third round to enter the quarters. Speaking about his improvements on the hard court, Nadal mentioned that memorable Miami final versus Federer from 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 massive chance to topple Roger for the second straight year 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, producing one of his most excellent comebacks after trailing two sets to love and 4-1 in the third!
Rafael Nadal spoke about his results on the hard court in Montreal 2005.
The Swiss took the third set’s tie break after being 5-3 down, gathering a boost and never looking back in the rest of the clash. Federer kept the pressure on the other side and sealed the deal in style in the decider.
Nadal was two points away from victory at 5-4 in the third set and again in the tie break, unable to make that one last push and beat the world’s leading player. The Spaniard saved two set points in the second set and stole it in the tie break to build a massive advantage.
The youngster opened a 4-1 lead in the tie break before Federer started his comeback and claimed 18 of the last 24 games to cross the finish line and…
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Source : tennisworldusa
