Heroic and historic Rafael Nadal! Led 2 sets to 0 in the final of the Australian Open, the Spaniard overthrew, this Sunday, the Russian Daniil Medvedev (2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5) to conquer his 21st Grand Slam title. A record he now holds alone ahead of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
At the beginning of December, the Majorcan was not even sure of being present in Melbourne. He had contracted the Covid-19 and had cast doubt on his participation. But he finally made the trip to Australia, a bit of an unknown after more than five months without playing due to a foot problem which forced him to end his season prematurely. And he did well to do so.
Because after his title at the Melbourne tournament (ATP 250), Rafael Nadal wrote a new page in the history of tennis on the other side of the world. With this 21st title (2 Australian Open, 13 Roland-Garros, 2 Wimbledon, 4 US Open), he became the most successful Grand Slam player, ahead of his two greatest rivals, Federer and Djokovic, in the pantheon. who could not participate in the tournament after seeing his visa canceled. But also the second player of the Open era with the Serb, the 4th in history, to have won at least twice each of the Majors.
And on the Rod Laver Arena, as after his last months, which were difficult to say the least, he came back from afar to win after a huge showdown of 5:24. In a remake of the 2019 US Open final, won by the “Bull of Manacor”, Rafael Nadal quickly found himself trailing two sets by the Russian and condemned to the feat. And for the 4and time in his career, he performed an improbable “remontada” in front of an audience all committed to his cause.
Back to the wall, the Spaniard had the merit of not giving up and believing in his destiny. And over the games, he took over and caught up with his opponent, more and more tense and annoyed by the turn of events, until he got his hands on this epic final. And after having served for the first time for the match, he completed his work with a final shutout full of mastery.
The coronation in his pocket, Rafael Nadal could savor his happiness and throw himself into the arms of the members of his clan to celebrate this 21and Grand Slam title. Before you get one 22and “at home” on the clay courts of Roland-Garros? See you in four months.