The 21st Grand Slam winner, Rafael Nadal wrote his name in the pages of history by winning the Grand Slam title defeating Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the final of the Australian Open.
On Sunday, Nadal made an astonishing comeback and beat Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5. Today is another very proud moment for Australia as Nadal has brought the exotic trophy to the nation.
This was Nadal first Grand Slam over 14 years that he came from two sets down to win a Grand Slam trophy. Earlier, the last was in the 2007 Wimbledon where he conquered over Mikhail Youzhny of Russia.
Knowingly, before the Rafael Nadal Grand Slams victory, he went through a three-way tie which he had with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. Both of them have a total of 20 major singles titles.
Additionally, Nadal was sidelined since August, due to his leg injury which forced him to miss the US Open last summer. Furthermore, in December 2021, the outset of the pandemic put a huge break over all of us.
Seeking this, he told Australian Open, after his victory in 2022, “A month and a half ago I didn’t know if I would play tennis again at a professional level due to various factors, including the problems I’ve had with my foot and with COVID.“
A couple of months back he was even considering retiring after a foot problem that has troubled him throughout his carrier resurfaced, forcing him to miss a chunk of the 2021 season including Wimbledon, the Olympics, and the US Open. However, amongst so much hustle-bustle, Nadal became one of the grand slam tennis winners.
Australia being at the top of the sky will now remain undefeated. Nadal won the two biggest trophies in Melbourne that are—ATP 250 and now, Grand Slam records.
“One month and a half ago, I didn’t know if I was going to be back on the tour playing tennis again,” Nadal said in his on-court victory speech, “and now I’m here in front of all of you, having this trophy with me… Without a doubt, this has probably been one of the most emotional months in my tennis career.“
About Rafael Nadal- 21st Grand Slam Winner, Australia
Did you know? Rafael Nadal is the second man in the Open Era, and only the fourth man to achieve the title of Grand Slam Winner. Nadal also won the title of the Australian Open in 2009.
At the age of 35, he also joins Federer and Ken Rosewall to win the Australian Open. At this age, he becomes the third-oldest man to win a major title in the Australian Open Final Era.
“It was one of the most emotional matches of my tennis career and to share a court with you is just an honor, so all the best in the future,” Nadal said.
“While pointing the crowd, he also quoted, I even don’t know what to say, guys. For me, it’s just amazing, be honest, one month and a half ago, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to be back on the tour playing tennis again. And today I’m here in front of all of you with this trophy with me, and you don’t know how much I’ve fought to be here. I can’t thank you enough for all the support I’ve had since I arrived here, you are just amazing.”
Grand Slam in Australian Open
Nadal saved the point and dropped the service game to help the opponent. Daniil Medvedev clinched the set on his first set point with a backhand passing shot on Nadal’s serve.
However, Nadal won 6-4 points by throwing an astonishing shot at the opponent. Additionally, cutting Medvedev’s point from 2 to 1, he won three points eventually.
Continuing the game, in his fourth set, Nadal continued to defeat the Russian on his eighth attempt in a marathon game to take a 3-2 lead. However, The Spaniard held his serve nicely with a 6-4 win in his fourth set. Interestingly, the same happened with Nadal in his fifth attempt, where he broke Medvedev’s serve at the same stage.
Furthermore, the Russian came forward to defeat Nadal, however, he held with the situation very calmly, and sustained five breakpoints. With this, he took a 4-2 lead. Nevertheless, Daniil Medvedev broke the Spaniard and thrived the competition fruitfully.
“It was a huge match. Rafael played unreally. Raised his level. I mean, two sets to love up, I was like, ‘C’mon, just go for him, go for more,'” Medvedev said in reply.
He also said “In the fifth set, I was like, ‘Make him run.’ He was unreal. He was really strong, like the way he played, at four hours I was even surprised. But, of course, we know how Rafa can play. He didn’t play for six months. He told me after the match that he didn’t practice so much. It was unreal.
Moreover, he added “Talking about tennis, I have not many regrets. I’m going to try to continue my best. I’m going to work even harder to try to be a champion of some of these great tournaments one day.“
What a match! To my friend and great rival @RafaelNadal, heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21st Grand Slam titles. A few months ago we were joking about both being on crutches. Amazing. Never underestimate a great champion,” Federer talked about Nadal’s performance.
He also added “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 honored 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!”
Moreover, we congratulate Rafael Nadal Australian Open on his victory of the title 21st Grand Slam winner, and the hard work, he showed while the game.