Rafael Nadal won his 21st men’s Grand Slam title in the most dramatic fashion, beating US Open champion Daniel Medvedev of Russia in Australia. In the Open, sixth seed Nadal won after two sets 2-6 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-4 7-5 at the Rod Lever Arena.

Rafael Nadal’s success comes just months after he thought he would never be able to return to the tour. because of a chronic injury on the left foot This allowed him to compete in just one tournament in the last seven months of 2021 while suffering from COVID-19. In the middle of last December, It made him feel very weak.

With Novak Djokovic being deported from Australia due to not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and Roger Federer being injured, it made the field easier in Melbourne.  This made him the first male tennis player to win 21 Grand Slam titles, surpassing both Djokovic and Federer’s 20 titles.

And it’s the left-hander’s second Australian Open title. And yet it happened 13 years after his first success on this list. “It is without a doubt one of the most emotional victories in my tennis career,” said Nadal, who has lost four Australian Open finals after the trophy presentation.

Injuries

“In the past 6 months, I fought really hard to try to get back on the court,” Nadal said. “It was a very difficult time. and had to talk about the difficult times. Because you don’t know if I’ll have a chance to tour again or not.”

“Of course, winning another Grand Slam at this time of my playing career is amazing. Of course, I know the number 21 is a special number. I know the immense importance of this show. I feel fortunate to have again succeeded in this tournament in my tennis career.”

“But I don’t care if I’m the best in history or one of the best in history. Or maybe not the best in history? To be honest, I don’t really care much. It was, without a doubt, the most unexpected championship. And I think it’s the biggest surprise for everyone.”

“It was a very emotional night. Even though my body is destroyed now, to be honest, my body couldn’t handle much more. I don’t remember much of the time of the match,” said Nadal.