Rafael Nadal has, improbably, won the Australian Open. It is Nadal’s record-setting, 21st Grand Slam title. He defeated No. 2 seed Daniil Medvedev in an epic five-set final at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
It wasn’t easy. Medvedev took the first two sets, but Nadal rallied for a 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 win in a match that lasted over five hours. With the win, Nadal is the first man to win the Australian Open final coming back from two sets down.
Just six weeks ago, the Spanish tennis legend was dealing with a foot injury and hinting at retiring. Now he sits ahead of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer as the all-time men’s Grand Slam winner.
“To my friend and great rival …,” Federer posted on an Instagram story. “Heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles. A few months ago we were both joking about being on crutches. Amazing. Never underestimate a great champion.”
Here’s how the sports world reacted to the win:
Congratulations to @RafaelNadal for 21st GS. Amazing achievement. Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time. Enhorabuena 👏🏆👍 @Medwed33 gave it his all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him. pic.twitter.com/DsOvK8idNc
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 30, 2022
Another chapter is written 🏆@RafaelNadal defeats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 7-5 to win his second #AusOpen title in an epic lasting five hours and 24 minutes.
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🎥: @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/OlMvhlGe6r— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2022
What a final 🔥🎾@AustralianOpen @DaniilMedwed @RafaelNadal !!
— Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) January 30, 2022
Rafael Nadal is a 21-time Grand Slam champion.
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) January 30, 2022
The mental and physical marathon of a 5-hour Grand Slam final requires grit, guts, spirit, & determination.
Congratulations to @RafaelNadal on his 21st Grand Slam!
What a comeback! https://t.co/W5W5WyMcak
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 30, 2022
What a weapon!! @RafaelNadal
— Thanasi Kokkinakis (@TKokkinakis) January 30, 2022
R A F A 2️⃣1️⃣#AO2022
— Nadia Podoroska (@nadiapodoroska) January 30, 2022
It could only be him…
The moment @RafaelNadal became the first man in the Open era to win the @AustralianOpen final from two sets down 💪pic.twitter.com/WZx42PUGKA
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) January 30, 2022
A LEGEND! 🏆⭐️
Congratulations, @RafaelNadal!! 🤩 https://t.co/XnDVmTYiuc
— Barbora Strycova (@BaraStrycova) January 30, 2022
¡Eres el más grande, @RafaelNadal 🥎!#AusOpen #VamosRafapic.twitter.com/g65MDX1jGC
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) January 30, 2022