In 2006, Roger Federer claimed his fourth consecutive Wimbledon title and eighth Major overall, beating Rafael Nadal 6-0, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 in just under three hours. It was the 48th consecutive victory on grass for Roger, who became the third player in the Open Era with four consecutive trophies at the All England Club after Bjorn Borg and Pete Sampras.
Nadal made his Wimbledon debut at age 17 in 2003, reaching the third round as the youngest player since Boris Becker in 1985! Three years later, he became the title contender, beating six rivals and setting up the ultimate clash against the defending champion and no.1.
After the second Roland Garros crown, the Spaniard was eager to claim the first “Channel Slam” since Bjorn Borg, giving it his all against superior turf and falling in four sets.
The Swiss had better numbers in both the first and second serves, broke twice and stole the Spanish’s serve six times to seal the deal and write the record books.
Federer had a clear advantage in the shorter rallies, forcing Rafa’s 50 errors to cross the finish line first and celebrate another Major title. They had a similar number of winners and unforced errors, but it wasn’t enough for Rafa to stay in touch until the decisive game, losing ground in the fourth set to hand over the trophy to the Swiss.
The more experienced player got off to a wonderful start, assaulting Nadal to deliver a zero in the first set in 24 minutes. Roger lost just three points in three service games, finding the rhythm on the return to provide the first zero in the Wimbledon finals since 1994.
Federer defeated Nadal in four sets at Wimbledon 2006.
Regaining his game, Nadal earned a break in the second set and served it at 5-4, only to lose his serve after a forehand error and waste a great opportunity.
Federer won the tie break 7-5 to get a huge boost, looking good to seal the deal in straight sets and continue his winning path at Wimbledon. Starting over, Rafa made sure to end Roger’s streak of 34 consecutive sets won at Wimbledon, playing well in the third set and securing it 7-2 in the tie break to extend the match and his chances.
Keeping his composure, Federer took a break in the fourth game of the fourth set and held at 15 with an ace a few minutes later to forge a 4-1 lead. With momentum on his side, Roger made another break with a forehand winner to advance 5-1, serving for the title in the next.
Giving the last push, Rafa pulled a break back and held on to cut the deficit to 5-3 before Roger sealed the deal with his serve in the ninth game. Federer won the Halle-Wimbledon double for the fourth consecutive season, establishing himself as one of the best turf players of all time at age 24.
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