Top 5 Masters 1000 matches between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

#2 2006 Monte Carlo Masters final

Nadal won the Monte Carlo Masters in 2006 after defeating Federer in an exciting four-set final

Both Federer and Nadal were in terrific form in 2006 and were coming in to the Monte Carlo Masters as the favourites to win the title, Nadal being the defending champion. Federer had a bit of a shaky start against qualifier Novak Djokovic but had three easy wins to enter the semi-finals whereas the Spaniard was yet to drop a set in the tournament.

In the semis, Federer and Nadal defeated Fernando Gonzalez and Gaston Gaudio, respectively to set up a meeting in the final which would be their fifth overall. Nadal began the match brilliantly and took the first set 6-2 but the Swiss fought back and took the second set in a tiebreak to level the match. The Spaniard, though, won the third set 6-3.

The fourth set was a very exciting one with neither player willing to back down as the set again went into a tiebreak. However, it was the southpaw’s resilience that eventually prevailed as he won the tiebreak to win the match and defend his title.