Roger Federer congratulated long-time rival Rafael Nadal for his Australian Open triumph on Sunday after the Spaniard overhauled Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller to clinch a record 21st Grand Slam title.
Roger Federer was quick to congratulate long-time rival Rafa Nadal (AP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Roger Federer congratulated Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard’s 21st Grand Slam win
- Federer hailed Nadal after title win: Proud to share this era with you
- I am sure you have more achievements ahead but for now, enjoy this one: Federer
Roger Federer sent a heartwarming message to his ‘friend and great rival’ Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard became the first man to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles on Sunday. Federer said he was proud to share this era with Nadal and honored to play a role in pushing the Spaniard to achieve more. Federer further added that Nadal’s incredible work ethic, fighting skill and dedication are an inspiration to him and countless others around the world.
“What a match! To my friend and great rival Rafael Nadal. Heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam titles,” Federer wrote in his Insta story.
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“A few months ago we were joking about both being on crutches. Amazing, never underestimate a great champion.. Your incredible work ethic, fighting skill and dedication 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 ,” Federer added.
Nadal got to 21 first, breaking the men’s record for most Grand Slam singles titles and doing it the hard way by coming back from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev in an almost 5 1/2-hour Australian Open final.
Nadal was broken when serving for the championship for the first time at 5-4 in the fifth set, but he made no mistake two games later by serving an ace to earn three championship points and converted it on the first attempt. The 35-year-old Spaniard now has one more major title than Federer and Novak Djokovic, his long-time rivals in the so-called Big Three.
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