Throwback to when Roger Federer drove Rafael Nadal around in Monte Carlo in 2006
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have shared some of the most iconic tennis moments of the 21st century with each other. As two of the most successful players in the history of the sport, the duo have consistently clashed on the biggest stages over the last two decades, despite an age difference of five years.
However, it isn't merely for the on-court duels that fans obsess over their rivalry. Federer and Nadal share a camaradarie with one another that very few rivals at the apex of their respective sports have.
From teaming up in doubles to playing exhibition matches in front of record-breaking crowds, the pair have drawn attention even when they share a space without actively competing against each other. They've shared plenty of light-hearted moments too, like when the Swiss drove his arch-nemesis around Monte-Carlo back in 2006 in the early days of their rivalry.
In a video shared by Tennis TV a couple of years back, Federer was seen driving a Mercedes convertible around the picturesque streets of Monte Carlo, with Nadal seated next to him. The incident dates back to 2006 when the Swiss was putting together one of the greatest seasons of all time - while a teenage Nadal was establishing himself as the biggest thorn in his path.
They see them rollin' 🏁
#Fedal arriving in style back in 2006 in Monte-Carlo...
@RafaelNadal @RogerFederer https://t.co/UoAcZgt7zx
2006 Monte-Carlo final was the 3rd ATP Final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
As the top two players in the world, they contested the finals of five tournaments that year, including their third ATP final at Monte-Carlo Masters. In all likelihood, the footage was recorded when Federer and Nadal were on their way to the stadium for the final clash.
The Spaniard went on to win the match 6-2, 6-7(2), 6-3, 7-6(5) in 3 hours and 50 minutes. This was his fourth victory over Roger Federer in five meetings. In fact, he went on to win their next two meetings as well, in five sets in Rome and four at Roland Garros.
The Swiss, however, won their final two matches that year - in four sets at Wimbledon and in straight sets at the year-end championships.
In 2022, Federer and Nadal's head-to-head stands at 24-16 in the Spaniard's favor.