It was a finale for history, and it did not disappoint. At the end of a grueling fight of more than 5 hours against Daniil Medvedev, who will have led two sets to nothing, Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open this Sunday in five sets (2-6, 6-7, 6 -4, 6-4, 6-5). His second coronation in Melbourne, but above all his 21st Grand Slam tournament. A figure that officially makes the 35-year-old Spaniard, at least for a while, the most sacred tennis player in Grand Slam history, ahead of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer (20 titles each).
“It was without a doubt one of the most emotional matches of my career,” the Mallorcan said after lifting the trophy. A month ago, I didn’t even know if I was going to be able to come back, and today I’m in front of you, with this trophy. It’s just amazing. Injured and operated on recently, the Spaniard made an unexpected comeback, and all the more impressive given the scenario of the match, against a Medvedev 2nd in the world, 10 years his junior and who was clearly in strong position in the third set. While he had three break points at 3-2 in the third set, the Russian saw a completely dominated Nadal wake up. And don’t slow down. “At the end of the match, I just asked him: “but are you tired, man?“, reacted the Russian in a burst of laughter, after the meeting. He was amazing. The way he raised his level after the second set…”
Nadal at the top
After beating Djokovic in the US Open final at the end of 2021, Daniil Medvedev had the opportunity to double down and become the first player of the Open era to win his first two Grand Slams in quick succession. “It was hard, you are an incredible champion, reassured his opponent of the day. I’ve been in this position before (he lost four finals in Melbourne, editor’s note), but I have no doubt that you will lift this trophy in your career. It was an honor to share the court with you today. »
It must be said that the two men gave us a show of very high quality, with a scenario worthy of Hollywood and an intensity that has never weakened. Tennis legend Mats Wilander simply called this match “the biggest comeback of the Open era”. This is the fourth time in his career that Nadal has achieved such a performance, after being led by two sets, but this one, at 35 and to settle alone on the throne of world tennis, will have a particular flavor. He also returns, with this coronation, to the very closed club of players who have won at least twice each of the four Grand Slam tournaments, a status that he shares only with Novak Djokovic.
“To my friend and great rival, sincere congratulations for becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam titles, reacted Federer on his Instagram account. A few months ago, we were joking about the fact that we were both on crutches. It’s crazy. Never underestimate a great champion. Your incredible work ethic, dedication and fighting spirit is an inspiration to me and countless others around the world. I am proud to share this era with you and honored to play a part in your desire to achieve more, as you have for me for the past 18 years. »
Nadal himself places above his two victories on the grass of Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010, especially the first, conquered in a match of legend against Roger Federer, co-author with him of one of the most fascinating soap operas in the history of the sport. But the new intense fight he has just fought in Melbourne could make the Majorcan review this hierarchy of the heart.
