Press comments on the tennis record
“Nadal, you are immortal!”
01/31/2022, 07:18 am
Rafael Nadal fights for victory at the Australian Open for more than five hours. And so much more: the record tennis title and the return of the seriously injured man to the big stage. The international press praised the Spaniard’s “heroic deed” with flaming words.
Spain
“Ace”: “Rafa Nadal pulled off one of the greatest feats in the history of the sport at the Australian Open 2022. Four months ago he was on crutches and with his left leg in a cast, and this Sunday he’s already the all-time greatest in men’s tennis, at least when it comes to the number of Grand Slam titles.”
“Marca”: “Rafael Nadal made history again by picking up two sets against Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final and claiming his 21st Grand Slam title (…) Nadal gave a true performance at (stadium) Rod Laver both at game as well as epic, because just a few weeks ago he didn’t even know if he could play.”
“El Mundo Deportivo”: “Nadal’s epic catch-up. The greatest champion in history! (…) At 35, he led a catch-up race against a player ten years his junior that will remain in the golden book of tennis and sport.”
Great Britain
“Daily Mail”: “Rafael Nadal’s incredible Australian Open comeback brings back memories of his victory over Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2008…and another smack in the nose at Novak Djokovic.”
“The Sun”: “Rafael Nadal has become the most successful player in the history of men’s professional tennis thanks to one of the biggest comebacks of his spectacular career.”
“The Guardians”: “Rafael Nadal’s body may be crunching, but his lust remains undamped. The 35-year-old was at his best to win his 21st Grand Slam title and there may be more to come, despite his injury history.”
Italy
“La Gazzetta dello Sport”: “Nadal, you are immortal! He beats Medvedev in a comeback and takes his 21st degree slam.”
“Corriere dello Sport”: “Historical success for the Spanish tennis player: at 35, this is his 90th title and, above all, he is the first tennis player in history to win 21 Grand Slams. An incredible liberation for Nadal, who in recent months has been in danger of losing himself having to withdraw from the sport altogether.”
France
“L’Equipe”: “Nadal as from another planet. He has raised the flame to the highest heights of the Melbourne sky.”
Austria
“Crown Newspaper”: “The Spaniard Rafael Nadal pulled off the feat on Sunday and also secured the record for major triumphs by winning the Australian Open.”
Switzerland
“View”: “After a sluggish start with the focus on the inglorious cause of Novak Djokovic, the Australian Open found a sporting ending that will be remembered for a long time. The 35-year-old Rafael Nadal – after foot surgery and a break of months without great expectations of the Tour returned – writes tennis history.”