17 years, and in between, a great Spaniard conquered the tennis world 21 times to cement his place all over the history books.
Rafael Nadal won a record 21st Grand Slam men's title in a spectacular fashion, rallying from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev of Russia in yet another classic Australian Open final.
Roger Federer in 2009, Novak Djokovic in 2012 (arguably the greatest tennis match ever), Australian Open finals featuring Rafael Nadal have produced some of the greatest encounters in tennis history.
And of course 2022 Australian Open final wasn’t going to be an exception. It was another epic, full of turns and twists until the very last point of the match, this time against an in-form Daniil Medvedev.
Daniil Medvedev was aiming for his second Grand Slam title on the bounce and came into the tournament as many people’s favourite to clinch the title, after the number one seed Novak Djokovic couldn’t participate this year’s tournament, as his visa was cancelled on ‘health and good order’ grounds.
Medvedev got off to a great start, taking the first two sets. The legendary Spaniard looked down and out against Daniil Medvedev under the lights on Rod Laver Arena.
Nevertheless, if the name is Nadal, never say never. He demonstrated his trademark big-match mentality, overcoming the Russian 2-6 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-4 7-5 in an epic that lasted 5 hours and 24 minutes (the second-longest Grand Slam final of all time).
In what has been an injury-laden career, Nadal had yet another setback in 2021. Chronic pain in the Spaniard’s left foot kept him out for the last seven months of the season.
More remarkably, after defeating Covid in mid-December, Nadal came back and the Australian Open was his second competition since his return. And what a return that turned out to be.
Nadal became the first male tennis player to claim his 21st Grand Slam title (2nd Australian Open title), passing his long-time rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who are both on 20.
This title came after 13 years since Nadal won his first Australian Open against Roger Federer in 2009. Since that triumph, Nadal had lost four Australian Open finals.
“It was one of the most emotional matches of my career,” Nadal said during the trophy ceremony.
“To share the court with Daniil was just an honour. It is amazing. To be honest, one and a half months ago I wasn’t sure if I was able to be back on the Tour playing tennis again. But today I am here in front of all of you with this trophy in front of me. You are just amazing, thank you so much.”
Both Djokovic and Federer congratulated Nadal on his great achievement.
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