“Still Joking About Crutches”
Federer and Djokovic bow to Nadal
1/30/2022, 7:07 p.m
After almost five and a half hours, Rafael Nadal is crowned champion of a Grand Slam tournament for the 21st time. The two rivals, who were each able to celebrate 20 such titles, then congratulated the Spanish tennis legend on social media.
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic congratulated Rafael Nadal on the sole Grand Slam record. Federer found emotional words for his “friend and great rival”. “Never underestimate a great champion. Your incredible work ethic, dedication and fighting spirit are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world,” wrote the 40-year-old on Instagram after Nadal won his 21st major title at the Australian Open had won.
The Spaniard thus left Federer and Djokovic, both of whom have 20 Grand Slam victories, behind them. The Serb Djokovic, who had not been vaccinated before the tournament, also spoke on Instagram. The tennis world number one congratulated on an “amazing performance” and also appreciated Nadal’s “incredible fighting spirit”. Djokovic was actually considered the clear tournament favorite, is the record winner with nine wins in Melbourne, but had to leave Australia before his first match.
In the final in Melbourne, Nadal defeated world number two Daniil Medvedev 2: 6, 6: 7 (5: 7), 6: 4, 6: 4, 7: 5 after a sensational comeback in 5:24 hours. “I’m proud to share this era with you,” Federer continued, “and I’m honored to play a role in spurring you on even more. As you have done with me for the past 18 years. ” Although Medvedev missed his second Grand Slam title after the US Open 2021, he still takes the lead in the world rankings from Djokovic in February.
Federer is currently working towards a comeback after a third knee operation since 2020, and Nadal also recently had to take a break of several months due to a persistent foot injury. “A few months ago we were still joking about the fact that we both use crutches,” Federer wrote. He is also sure that Nadal will “achieve even more”: “But first enjoy this success.”