Australian Open: Rafael Nadal ahead of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in GOAT race
Not only was Rafael Nadal playing for the Australian Open title on Sunday, he was jostling for position to be crowned the Greatest of All Time.
Not only was Rafael Nadal playing for the Australian Open title on Sunday, he was jostling for position to be crowned the Greatest of All Time.
Rafael Nadal defeated Daniil Medvedev 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in a thrilling five-hour, 24-minute Australian Open final to earn a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title. ATPTour.com relives the memorable battle through pictures.
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This was the fifth ATP Head2Head meeting between Nadal and Medvedev. They also clashed in the 2019 US Open final, which Nadal won in five sets.
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Medvedev got off to a quick start inside Rod Laver Arena. The World No. 2 made just five unforced errors in the first set to sprint to a 6-2 lead.
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The Russian then clawed through a gruelling 84-minute second set to take a two-set lead. Medvedev was firing on all cylinders. Not only was he more consistent than Nadal, but he used his baseline game to push the Spaniard all over the court.
Leading 3-2 in the third set, he earned a 0/40 advantage on Nadal’s serve. A second consecutive major title was drawing near for the 2021 US Open champion.
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But the crowd was fully behind Nadal throughout. The legendary lefty continued to fight for every point, and the fans helped inspire the 35-year-old to continue looking for ways back into the match.
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Nadal had only come back from two sets down three times in his career, with the most recent instance coming at Wimbledon in 2007 against Mikhail Youzhny. Nevertheless, the World No. 5 raised his level and forced a fourth set.
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Nadal fully seized the momentum from there, firing away with his lethal forehand and stepping into backhands inside the baseline. As Medvedev began to show holes in his game, the Spaniard took full advantage to push the clash into a deciding set. This was the seventh time a Grand Slam final Nadal has contested has gone to a fifth set.
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Despite letting slip his first opportunity to serve out the championship at 5-4 in the fifth set, Nadal immediately broke back to earn another chance. This time, the lefty converted to break a tie with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer for the most men’s singles major crowns in history.
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Nadal quickly went to his box to celebrate with his team and family. He shared an emotional moment with his father, Sebastian Nadal.
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This was Nadal’s 21st Grand Slam trophy and his 90th tour-level victory overall. The former World No. 1 is now 21-8 in major finals.
Three-time winner Rod Laver described Sunday’s Australian Open men’s singles final as a match “of Herculean proportions”.
Rafael Nadal has never been one to give up in moments of adversity, but he surprised even himself with his stunning five-set win over Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final on Sunday.
“If we put everything together, the scenario, the momentum, what it means…yeah, [it’s] probably the biggest comeback of my tennis career,” said the Spaniard in his post-match press conference.
The sixth seed rallied from two-sets-to-love down to seal an epic 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 victory on Rod Laver Arena and become the first man to 21 Grand Slam singles titles.
“At the end history is about the victory, but the way that you win the match in terms of personal feelings is different,” Nadal said. “The way that I achieved this trophy tonight was just unforgettable, one of the most emotional matches of my tennis career, without a doubt. [It] means a lot to me.”
Despite being 0/40 down on his own serve with the Russian up two sets and leading 3-2 in the third set, Nadal said he had nonetheless retained a semblance of belief that he could stay in contention with Medvedev.
“In that moment, of course, the situation was critical,” said Nadal, “but sport is unpredictable. The normal thing is to lose the match in straight sets from that situation. On the other hand, I had a big chance in the second [set] too.
“I was repeating to myself during the whole match, I lost a lot of times here [in Melbourne] having chances, sometimes I was a little bit unlucky. I just wanted to keep believing until the end. I just wanted to give myself a chance.
“That’s what I did. Just fight, just keep belief in trying to find a solution. Of course, I was lucky to save that moment. [There were] a lot of moments that can decide the final like this.”
The Spaniard was also full of praise for Medvedev, who won his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open in September. “I think Daniil is a great champion,” said Nadal. “He accepted the loss very well and I can say thanks because it’s a very hard night for him. I know how tough it is to be in that position.”
Nadal acknowledged the significance of winning his 21st Grand Slam title but insisted his title in Melbourne will not suddenly make him view his own career any differently. “It’s amazing to achieve another Grand Slam at this moment of my career,” said the Spaniard. “Of course, I know it’s a special number, 21. I know what it means, but from my point of view today is an unforgettable day…I feel lucky to achieve one more very special thing in my tennis career.
“I really believe that I hold a very positive spirit. For the last six months, I really fought a lot to try to be back on court…[There] have been very tough moments because you don’t know if you’re going to have the chance. I feel honoured.”
It’s been a long journey since a 19-year-old Nadal picked up his first major crown at Roland Garros back in 2005, and he also admitted the feelings around his major victories had changed with age.
“[Today was] more emotional than the first one, no doubt about that,” said Nadal. “At the latter stages of your career, I think you enjoy these moments more because you know the chances are less. When you are 19 of course it is super special, but you know if you are playing well, you’re going to keep having chances to enjoy [such] moments.”
Up against an all-time legend on the brink of history, Daniil Medvedev came oh-so-close to spoiling Rafael Nadal’s chase for major title No. 21.
The World No. 2 led the Spaniard by two sets in Sunday’s Australian Open final before an inspired Nadal roared back for a thrilling 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 victory on Rod Laver Arena.
“[I have] huge respect for Rafa,” said Medvedev in his post-match press conference. “Huge respect for beating me because I tried my best.”
The Russian was particularly impressed with how Nadal handled the pressure knowing he was trying to achieve something no male player had before.
“The way he managed to play throughout all these sets, even in the tough moments, for him it was for making history,” said Medvedev. “For sure he tried not to think about it, but it must have been somewhere in his head.”
Earlier, during the trophy ceremony, Medvedev had highlighted the physical prowess of the Spaniard as a key decider in the marathon encounter.
“[It’s] tough to talk after five hours, 30 minutes and losing, but I want to congratulate Rafa because what he did today, I was amazed,” said Medvedev. “I tried during the match just to play tennis, but after the match I asked him, ‘Are you tired?’, because it was insane.”
Medvedev added that the level was “very high” before addressing Nadal directly. “You raised your level after two sets for the 21st Grand Slam. I thought you were going to get tired, maybe you did just a little but still won the match,” said Medvedev. “You’re an amazing champion.”
Despite coming painfully close to picking up consecutive Grand Slam titles after his maiden major win at the US Open last September, the Russian was not downbeat about his own performance in the Melbourne final. “I’m not that disappointed,” said Medvedev. “It was a huge match, for sure some small points, small details that I could have done better if I wanted to win. But that’s tennis. That’s life.”
Medvedev explained how he tried to make Nadal run in the fifth set. But it was to no avail.
“He was really strong, even at four hours,” said Medvedev. “He didn’t play for six months. He told me after the match that he hadn’t practised much. It was unreal.”
The Russian also refused to dwell on the three break points he held on the Nadal serve when 3-2 up in the third set, opportunities that ultimately got away from him. “I don’t remember all of [the break points] in detail, but I remember that I made all three returns,” said Medvedev. “Just got a little bit tight. But, again, that’s tennis. Should have done better. Should have hit a winner. Maybe would have won the match.”
Medvedev still holds great belief in the methods that have taken him to No. 2 in the ATP Rankings and has already identified his areas for improvement for next time. “Tactically nothing changed. I feel like I was playing right, but Rafa stepped up,” said Medvedev. “The only thing was he was stronger than me physically today. There were some shots and points where I was a little bit on the back foot. Rafa takes control of these moments.”
Rafael Nadal says he is physically “destroyed” after the “most unexpected” victory of his career saw him win the Australian Open and a men’s record 21st Grand Slam title.
Rafael Nadal wins a record 21st Grand Slam men’s singles title by fighting back from two sets down to beat Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in a classic Australian Open final.
Rafael Nadal completed a thrilling comeback from two sets down against Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final. It was just the fourth time the Spaniard has rallied from two sets down and the first time since his fourth-round Wimbledon victory against Mikhail Youzhny in 2007.
The stars — including Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic — took to social media to congratulate the lefty on his record-breaking 21st major title. Australian legend Rod Laver, former World No. 1 Andy Roddick, three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka, WTA icon Billie Jean King and others also shared their praise.
A final of Herculean proportions, thank you for a brilliant contest @RafaelNadal and @DaniilMedwed. Two AO crowns and 21 majors, given everything you have endured this historic victory is so special Rafa. It has been a privilege to watch you doing what you love. Congratulations?
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 30, 2022
Wow. Congrats @RafaelNadal ! An absolute pleasure to watch
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) January 30, 2022
21 Grand Slam titles… Pure admiration for @RafaelNadal and his historic achievement ?? @AustralianOpen https://t.co/n7Vl9tIZFs
— Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) January 30, 2022
The mental and physical marathon of a 5-hour Grand Slam final requires grit, guts, spirit, & determination.
Congratulations to @RafaelNadal on his 21st Grand Slam!
What a comeback! https://t.co/W5W5WyMcak
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 30, 2022
I love tennis ?❤️@RafaelNadal @DaniilMedwed @AustralianOpen
— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) January 30, 2022
Wow @RafaelNadal!!! What a legend. ? #AusOpen
— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) January 30, 2022
Unbelievable @RafaelNadal ?????????? wow wow ????
— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) January 30, 2022
I just cried @RafaelNadal you are my idol ?
— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) January 30, 2022
A LEGEND! ?⭐️
Congratulations, @RafaelNadal!! ? https://t.co/XnDVmTYiuc
— Barbora Strycova (@BaraStrycova) January 30, 2022
Several athletes from outside of tennis also congratulated Nadal, including football star Toni Kroos, Formula 1 driver George Russell and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Rafael Nadal. That’s the tweet.
— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) January 30, 2022
Wow @RafaelNadal. What an athlete! What a player! Congrats on 21 ?
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) January 30, 2022
That is absolutely magnificent. Stunning to say the least.
From 2 sets down to come back and win your 21st Grand Slam is incredible.
Congratulations @RafaelNadal!#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/VHjjlb4GFN
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 30, 2022
From ‘scaredy cat’ to a ‘raging bull’, Rafael Nadal’s transformation into a true tennis great has a lot to do with one man in particular.
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic congratulated Rafael Nadal on Sunday shortly after the Spaniard rallied from two sets down against Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final to capture a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title.
On his Instagram Stories, Federer wrote: “What a match! To my friend and great rival Rafael Nadal. Heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles. A few months ago we were joking about both being on crutches. Amazing. Never underestimate a great champion.
“Your incredible work ethic, dedication and fighting spirit are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world. I am proud to share this era with you and honoured to play a role in pushing you to achieve more, as you have done for me for the past 18 years. I am sure you have more achievements ahead but for now enjoy this one!”
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Djokovic posted on his social media: “There has been some outstanding tennis played at this year’s Australian Open and the finals were exceptional. Congratulations to Ashleigh Barty for an amazing performance in front of her home crowd and Danielle Collins for an incredible tournament. Congratulations to Rafael Nadal for 21st GS. Amazing achievement. Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time. Enhorabuena.
“Daniil Medvedev gave it hit all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him.”
Congratulations to @RafaelNadal for 21st GS. Amazing achievement. Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time. Enhorabuena ??? @Medwed33 gave it his all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him. pic.twitter.com/DsOvK8idNc
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 30, 2022
Nadal (21), Djokovic (20) and Federer (20) have combined to win 61 major singles titles.
