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:
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 Medvedev
That’s a real sickener for Nadal. He was a break up on two occasions and then led 5-3 in the tie-break before Medvedev roared back to win four points in a row.
Incredible resolve from the Russian. He is one set away from becoming the Australian Open champion for the first time.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 (5-7) Medvedev
Medvedev gets it! An 84-minute set is won by the Russian as he passes Nadal at the net with his trademark backhand down the line.
Boos ring out around the Rod Laver Arena. The crowd are gutted. Medvedev won’t care one bit.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-6 (5-6*) Medvedev
Medvedev puts Nadal away with a backhand crosscourt. Set point for the Russian.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-6 (5-5*) Medvedev
Remarkable! Nadal looks to be on top in the rally as he comes to the net but his volley is out!
The crowd think Nadal has won the point as Medvedev put the return into the net, but it was already out.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-6 (*5-4) Medvedev
Nadal goes for the serve and volley but Medvedev disrupts it with a superb passing shot and the Spaniard can only plant his volley into the net.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-6 (*5-3) Medvedev
Medvedev into the net! Nadal’s forehand is really finding its range now as he puts Medvedev on the back foot.
There is daylight for Nadal for the first time in this tie-break.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-6 (4-3*) Medvedev
A pair of wonderful forehands from Nadal and he has another mini-break over Medvedev as the Russian can only send a looping backhand wide.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-6 (3-3*) Medvedev
This time it’s Medvedev who faultlessly executes the volley at the net. Halfway through this tie-break and there is nothing between them.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-6 (*3-2) Medvedev
Oh that’s a superb volley at the net from Nadal. He gets down brilliantly to cushion it over the net and retain a slender lead.
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