On Sunday, the pages of history were rewritten when Rafael Nadal won a record 21st Grand Slam title in a well-lit Rod Laver Arena, with spectators witnessing an epic comeback. The legendary Spaniard won the Australian Open 2022 men’s singles trophy by defeating Daniil Medvedev of Russia 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in the second longest Grand Slam final.
Nadal took second seed from two sets, which he himself described as the “greatest comeback” of his tennis career. With his dramatic win, Nadal went past the other two in the Big Three – Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who are both currently tied at 20-20 Grand Slams.
The 35-year-old stunned the world in what he described as one of the sport’s most incredible feats. Congratulating the tennis icon, batting great Sachin Tendulkar shared a post on Twitter.
He tweeted, ‘This is absolutely fantastic. Amazing to say the least. Coming back from 2 sets to win my 21st Grand Slam is unbelievable.”
Another India legend VVS Laxman lauded the legendary champion for delivering the greatest performance in a Grand Slam final.
Former India star opener Virender Sehwag called Nadal “fire” while celebrating his knockout performance.
Proteas legend AB de Villiers could not sing enough praises for Nadal’s tenacity in winning the fight. The former South African wicketkeeper-batsman wrote, “Rafa always shows us what the game is all about.”
Rafa always shows us what the game is all about. Respect for his opponent and the game, incredible fighting till the end, and humility in spite of his achievements. Legend- AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) 30 January 2022
For someone who hasn’t played for a large part of the last six months, Nadal was almost unsure of where to play at the Australian Open.
And not much was going in Nadal’s favor either because of the pandemic’s bouts and a career-threatening leg injury spoiled by what was already a disappointing preparation. He conquered everyone with the strength of his will and in the process left behind questions of his age and playing style.
After the match, Nadal said, “Without a doubt one of the most emotional matches of my tennis career. means a lot to me.”
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