#2 2006 Rome Masters final
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Undoubtedly the greatest non-Grand Slam final between Federer and Nadal. Both were heavy favourites to win the Rome Masters and both reached the final; albeit in contrasting ways. While Nadal had a comfortable straight set victory over Gael Monfils in the semi-finals, Federer was pushed to three sets by David Nalbandian before the former prevailed.
The first set of the final went into a tiebreak which Federer comfortable claimed 7-0. The second set was another dramatic affair as it went to another tiebreak. However, this time, it was Nadal who held his nerve and took the tiebreak 7-5 to level the match.
The third set saw Nadal take control as he produced a crucial break before taking the set 6-4 to go ahead in the match. However, Federer was not done. He came back strongly in the fourth set and levelled the match by taking the set 6-2.
In the final set, it seemed that the Swiss maestro would capture the title as he rose to a 4-1 lead. However, the Spaniard bounced back brilliantly by saving a match point and taking the set to a tiebreak, where Federer led 5-3 before the Spaniard held his nerve and won the tiebreak 7-5 to defend his title at Rome.
The match lasted for 5 hours and 5 minutes and is the longest match between Nadal and Federer till date.
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