Rafael Nadal has won a record 21st Grand Slam men’s title, after fighting back from two sets down to beat Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in a classic Australian Open final.
Backed by a loud Melbourne crowd, sixth seed Nadal rallied to win 2-6 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-4 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena.
US Open champion Medvedev was going for his second successive major title.
Medvedev, 25, was in command before Nadal showed all of his renowned grit and fight to earn an extraordinary win.
The 35-year-old Spaniard has been at the centre of some of the sport’s most incredible triumphs – but this surely goes down as the most amazing Grand Slam victory of his illustrious career.
In the absence of the deported Novak Djokovic and the injured Roger Federer in Melbourne, Nadal has moved one ahead of his great rivals in the race to finish with most major men’s singles titles.
Nadal’s achievement comes only a few months after he thought he would never be able to return to the tour because of a foot injury.
Rafael Nadal speaking after his win, said:
Firstly, on Daniil Medvedev’s efforts: “Good evening, well good morning everybody. First of all I know it’s a tough moment – Daniil you are amazing I have been in this position a couple of times in this tournament.
“I don’t have any doubts that you will have this trophy a couple of times in your career because you are amazing. I want to congratulate you.
“It has been one of the most emotional matches of my tennis career. To share the court with you is an honour. All the best to you in the future.”
Rafael Nadal thanks the tournament organisers and volunteers, and says he will do his best to return next year.
“I don’t want to forget the volunteers and everyone who makes possible this event. Thank you very much for supporting tennis and myself. It has been tough times to organise tennis tournaments but the last two years you have done a great job. I wish you all the very best.
“One month and a half ago I thought this might be my last Australian Open but this has given me plenty of energy to keep going.
“I really can’t explain the feelings I have right now. I will keep trying my best to come again next year. Thank you and see you soon.”
Nadal, also thanked the crowd for their support, along with his team and family for standing by him in his lowest moments over the past year.
“I don’t know what to say guys. For me it is just amazing.
“Being honest one month and a half ago I did not know if I would be back on the tour playing tennis again.
“Today I am here in front of you with this trophy. You don’t know how much it means to be back here. You are amazing and thank you so much for all of your love and support.
“Without a doubt it is one of the most emotional [periods] of my career. To have the support I have received the last three weeks will stay in my heart. So many, many thanks.
“I honestly can’t thank enough all the guys that are there – all the team, all the family, those that aren’t here. How hard the last year and a half has been. In the low moments you have been there every single moment in support.
“Without you none of this is possible so thank you very much for everything.”
Daniil Medvedev on his part, said:
“It’s tough to talk after five hours and 30 minutes. I want to congratulate Rafa, what you did was amazing.
“I tried to play but I was really tired. The level was really high.
“You raised the level after two sets, I thought you might get tired. You are an amazing champion. You guys have a great rivalry and it is not over yet.
“I want to thank my two guys in my box who were here all week. I hope we have more victories to come.
“I thank my wife but I think maybe the TV is broken now. I want to thank my team, I will forget someone but thanks for being with me. My parents, if you are still watching. I thank you for your support and I will try to be better next time.”