Australian Open final LIVE: Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev tennis result and latest updates
Follow live reaction from the Australian Open men’s final
Follow live reaction as Rafael Nadal produced a stunning comeback from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev and win a record-breaking 21st grand slam title in an epic Australian Open final. The Spaniard, just months after almost retiring from the sport due to a foot injury, moves clear of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer after winning his second Australian Open title in a classic and exhausting battle over more than five hours in Melbourne.
The 35-year-old defeated tournament favourite and world No 2 Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 6-4 6-4 7-5. Medvedev, the US Open champion, was aiming to become the first player in the Open era to win a second grand slam title immediately after winning his first. The Russian moved two sets up after prevailing in a tiebreak at the end of a marathon 84-minute second set, only for Nadal to stage a remarkable fightback.
A forehand winner earned Nadal the crucial break of serve in the decider, before he held off three break points from Medvedev in a 13-minute service game as he tried to close out the match. Nadal was two points away from victory as he served for the match at 5-4, only for Medvedev to produce a fightback of his own and claim the break. But Nadal struck back with a second break, before serving for the most remarkable win of his career. Follow live reaction from the Australian Open final:
Rafael Nadal produces epic comeback to defeat Daniil Medvedev and win record-breaking Australian Open title
Rafael Nadal produced a stunning comeback from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev and win a record-breaking 21st grand slam title in an epic Australian Open final.
The Spaniard, just months after almost retiring from the sport due to a foot injury, moves clear of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer after winning his second Australian Open title in a thrilling and physically brutal battle over more than five hours in Melbourne.
“Being honest, one month and a half ago, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to back playing tennis again,” an exhausted Nadal said after prevailing in the second longest grand slam final of all time. “You really don’t know how much I fought to be here.
“I thought this might be my last Australian Open but this has given me enough energy to maybe keep going. I will keep trying my very best to come again next year. Thank you.”
Report:
Rafael Nadal defeats Daniil Medvedev to win record-breaking Australian Open title
Nadal made history by defeating Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 6-4 6-4 7-5 in one of the greatest grand slam finals of all time
Novak Djokovic praises ‘fighting spirit’ of Rafa Nadal after record-breaking Australian Open victory
Rafa Nadal has been praised for his “fighting spirit” shown in a comeback win in the Australian Open final by the man who dominated so many headlines before the tournament started - Novak Djokovic.
The world No1 endured two weeks of on-again-off-again training and preparations for the competition, having his visa application rejected and going through appeals and hotel confinement before he was ultimately deported from Australia.
He tweeted: “Congratulations to [Nadal] for 21st GS. Amazing achievement. Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time. Enhorabuena. [Medvedev] gave it his all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him.
“There has been some outstanding tennis played at this year’s #AusOpen and the finals were exceptional. Congratulations to [women’s singles champion] Ash Barty for an amazing performance in front of her home crowd and to Danielle Collins for an incredible tournament.”
Djokovic praises ‘fighting spirit’ of Nadal after record-breaking victory
The Spaniard moved clear of his Serbian rival - and Roger Federer - with the triumph in Melbourne
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Your Australian Open men’s singles champion for 2022.
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Rafa Nadal now moves onto the French Open where he will look to make it Grand Slam number 22.
You wouldn’t put anything past him at this point.
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Just look at the sort of history Rafa Nadal was up against when he was two sets down against Daniil Medvedev!
Utterly extraordinary that he was able to turn it around.
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Rafa Nadal made more history today. But it wasn’t only his 21st Grand Slam title that was historic.
He is now also the first man in the Open Era to come back from two sets down in an Australian Open final to win the title.
EPIC.
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Rod Laver pays tribute to what he has just witnessed on the Rod Laver Arena.
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
‘I thought this might be my last Australian Open but...’
Rafa Nadal goes on: “I don’t want to forget the volunteers and everyone who makes possible this event.
“Thank you very much for supporting tennis and myself. It has been tough times to organise tennis tournaments but the last two years you have done a great job. I wish you all the very best.
“I thought this might be my last Australian Open but this has given me enough energy to maybe keep going. I will keep trying my very best to come again next year. Thank you.”
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Five hours and 24 minutes of gruelling competition. And at the end of it, Rafa Nadal wins.
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Turning his attention to the crowd, Nadal then said: “I don’t know what to say guys. For me it is just amazing. I did not know if I would be back on the tour playing tennis again. You don’t know how much it means to be back here. You are amazing and thank you so much for all of your support.
“Without a doubt it is one of the most emotional [periods] of my career. To have the support I have received the last three weeks will stay in my heart. So many, many thanks.
“I honestly can’t thank enough all the guys that are there - all the team, all the family, those that aren’t here. How hard the last year and a half has been. In the low moments you have been there every single moment in support. Without you none of this is possible so thank you very much for everything.”
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