Rafael Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev to win Australian Open 2022, bags record 21st Grand Slam title

Categories: SPORTS

                  Rafael Nadal staged an incredible comeback from two set down to beat 2nd seed Daniil Medvedev in an epic final to create history at the Australian Open 2022 on Sunday (January 30). Nadal defeated the Russian 2-6 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 7-5 in a riveting final to win a record 21st men's singles Grand Slam title and go past arch-rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

                 Nadal raced to a 4-1 lead after winning a 40-shot rally in the second set and looked all but set to clinch it before Medvedev fought back. The Russian forced the set into a tie-breaker as he came from 1-4 down to take the second set 6-7(5). Medvedev had all but buried Nadal it seemed with his incredible defence and sublime skills. However, the Spaniard proved why he should never be written off.

                Nadal brought an end to his 13-year long wait for an Australian Open title having last defeated Federer in the final Down Under in 2009. Returning from a knee injury after a gap of six months, Nadal had been written off by many at the start of the Australian Open 2022 but the absence of Federer due to an injury and Djokovic having to pull out due to his unvaccinated status paved the way for his glorious comeback.

               Nadal had missed the Wimbledon due to fatigue and the US Open due to his foot injury last year. He had earlier revealed he almost thought of giving up tennis at one stage and felt blessed just to be playing at the Australian Open this year. However, the 35-year-old showcased remarkable grit and resilience in the final to go the distance in the tournament and realise his dream of a 21st Grand Slam crown.