Top 5 Masters 1000 matches between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

#1 2006 Rome Masters final

Nadal defeated Federer in a nail-biting five-setter at the Rome Masters final that lasted five hours and five minutes

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, the Swiss was pushed to three sets by David Nalbandian.

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 the southpaw 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 raced 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 four straight points to defend his title at Rome.

The match lasted for five hours and five minutes and is the longest match between Nadal and Federer till date.