When Rafael Nadal ended Roger Federer's dominance in Dubai final classic

Rafael Nadal

When Nadal ended Federer's dominance in Dubai final classic

Spaniard snapped Federer's 56-match hard-court winning streak in title match at event in 2006

RABIH MOGHRABI/AFP via Getty Images

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal during the trophy ceremony after the 2006 Dubai final. By Sam Jacot

March 2006. The height of Roger Federer’s dominance.

The Swiss had owned the No. 1 spot in the PIF ATP Rankings for more than two years. He had captured six of the previous nine majors, including three in a row, and tour-level finals had become routine victories, with 26 wins in his previous 27 championship matches. On hard courts, he was untouchable, riding a 56-match winning streak.

Dubai felt like another coronation.

Federer had not dropped a set en route to the 2006 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships final. Across the net stood a 19-year-old Rafael Nadal. He was already World No. 2 and established as one of the game’s brightest talents, but still widely regarded as more of a clay-court specialist. He was also competing in just his second tournament after three months out with a foot injury.

Even so, there were early signs this matchup could prove challenging. Nadal had won two of their first three Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings, suggesting the Spaniard could find solutions against the World No. 1. On 4 March 2006 in the desert heat in Dubai, that growing rivalry took another significant step.

Federer made an impressive start, winning the opening set 6-2 with the control that had become typical during his dominant run. At that stage, the final appeared to be unfolding as expected.

Nadal, however, gradually worked his way into the clash. Although he won just 20 per cent of points behind Federer’s first serve and 43 per cent behind the second, he capitalised on key opportunities. At 4-4, 0/40 in the second set, Nadal chased down a Federer drop shot and whipped a searing forehand pass, a snapshot of the shotmaking that would define their rivalry.

The third set followed a similar pattern and at 4-4, Nadal broke Federer’s serve again when the World No. 1 missed a mid-court forehand at 30/40. The Spaniard closed out a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory after one hour and 53 minutes.

“[It is] very special and after three months injured, it is unbelievable for me,” Nadal said during the on-court interview. “Playing just my second tournament and to win the tournament is [amazing]. I never imagined this. Playing Roger is a special thing for me and I am very happy.

“He is the number one, and for sure the best. I won this tournament and I have come back very well, so I will try to continue.”

When Nadal snapped Federer's 19-match streak in Dubai:

Following his victory, Nadal dropped to his back in elation before he rose to lift his 13th tour-level trophy. Aged 19, he also became the youngest champion in Dubai, a record he still holds.

For Federer, the defeat was rare but not alarming, yet it carried significance.

“Rafa was just better on the day today and deserved to win,” Federer said in his on-court interview. “He has got a good record against me. At least I have something to look forward to. When I play him, I enjoy playing against him. He is a total contrast to my style and I think people enjoy it, so hopefully in the future we will play more often.”

They would.

Over the next 15 years, Federer and Nadal would meet 40 times in one of the sport’s defining rivalries (Nadal leading 24-16).

Federer would go on to make Dubai one of his most successful stops. He became a record eight-time champion at the event and, in 2019, lifted his 100th tour-level title there, joining Jimmy Connors (109) and now Novak Djokovic (101) as one of just three men to clinch 100+ titles.

Yet 20 years on, that 2006 Dubai final still stands out.

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