All tennis fans are currently watching the Italian Open, and it has certainly lived up to their expectations. However, they can’t help but think about the previous iterations of the event, especially the 2005 edition. That year’s event was particularly special as fans saw an incredible final between Rafael Nadal and Guillermo Coria.

At that time, the Italian Open had 5-set matches. Both Rafa and Coria fought vigorously until the match finished. However, it was the Spaniard who took it 6–4, 3–6, 6–3, 4–6, 7-6.

It’s no surprise that Nadal remembers this contest, considering its importance for his then fledgling career. In a recent interview, he talked about it and said,

“It has been unforgettable. It was one of the best finals of my tennis career, no doubt about that. I was super tired before the match and was the first year I played the full clay-court season and had success Monte Carlo and Barcelona. It was super emotional in the fifth. It’s one of the matches that I am not forgetting.”

Rafael Nadal going for ‘La Decima’

The 2005 Italian Open was Rafa’s first title at the event and he won 8 more after that. His aim at the 2020 edition is to win no. 10 or as we popularly know it – the ‘La Decima.’

Interestingly, the Spaniard has already achieved this spectacular milestone at 3 other events! Needless to say, it would be great to see him add another one to his collection. He will take another step towards that amazing feat when he plays Diego Schwartzman in the quarter-finals today.

Do you think Rafa will secure this record? Let us know in the comments section.

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