Rafael Nadal Wins Historic 21st Slam Title in Australia

Another epic five-set men's Australian Open final ended on Sunday with Rafael Nadal winning 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5, beating Daniil Medvedev in five hours and 24 minutes. The Spaniard won his 21st Grand Slam title, ahead of his great rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who both have 20.

A tournament that started in such controversial circumstances with the deportation of world number one and defending champion Djokovic ended with what the organizers would have dearly hoped—a women's home champion in Ashleigh Barty, and a gripping men's final with a big-name winner.

Nadal, 35, was seeking only his second Australian title, having won in 2009 and having been the defeated finalist another four times; Medvedev was seeking a second successive Slam title after his first in New York in September.

In that match, he had beaten Djokovic who was aiming for the first calendar grand slam in the men's game since Rod Laver in 1969.

This time, he was also looking to spoil a historic moment but was unable to convert as his two-set lead evaporated. The match was marked by sensational rallies, with both players hitting a high number of winners, 69 by Nadal and 76 by Medvedev. The Russian won more total points (189 to 182), but in the final set, which lasted 1 hour 12 minutes, a decisive break at 5-5 allowed Nadal to serve out the match.

For Djokovic, the result was always going to be a blow one way or another. Either Nadal would move to 21 major titles; or Medvedev would take over the world number 1 ranking, a position Djokovic has held since January 2020.

As it turns out, Nadal's victory may be the more significant, as his favorite and most successful event, the French Open, is the next major in the tennis calendar. Nadal has won at Roland Garros a record 13 times.

Nadal's comeback from two sets down was also a rare feat. It was only the fourth time Nadal has rallied from two sets down to win a best-of-five-set match, and the first since 2007 at Wimbledon.

There had been doubts that Nadal would return to tennis after a foot injury derailed much of 2021.

Following the miracle in Melbourne, tennis commentators and former giants of the game congratulated Nadal on his historic victory.

Swiss tennis icon and 20-time slam winner Roger Federer posted in an Instagram story: "What a match. To my friend and great rival @RafaelNadal.

"Heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21 grand slam singles titles. A few months ago we were both 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 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."

Australian tennis legend and 11 slam title winner Rod Laver posted: "A final of Herculean proportions, thank you for a brilliant contest @RafaelNadal and @DaniilMedWed. Two AO [Australian Open] 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."

American former world number 1 and 18 singles slam winner Chris Evert tweeted: "Tremendous respect @RafaelNadal heroic effort..@DaniilMedwed many more GS titles to come, great fight. What a final."