On Sunday, Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open crown for a record 21st Grand Slam title. Nadal defeated Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open men’s singles final on Sunday. With his victory, Nadal overtook Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the list of most men’s singles Majors and became the first ever male player to win more than 20 Grand Slam titles in singles. He won the thrilling final in Melbourne 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.
Nadal fought back from two sets down to win the next two sets and set up a decider. In the final set, he broke Medvedev’s serve in the fifth game but the Russian broke back in the 10th game to level the set. However, he broke back immediately to clinch victory and become the first ever man in the history of tennis to win 21 Grand Slam titles.
Roger Federer took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message for his long-time friend and rival Rafael Nadal. Federer said that he was proud to share this era with Nadal and honoured to play a role in pushing the Spaniard to achieve more. “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 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!” he wrote.
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.
Pearls – 5 February 2022