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: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Speaking about runner-up Medvedev, Nadal said: “Good evening, well good morning everybody. I know it’s a tough moment - Daniil you are amazing I have been in this position.
“I don’t have any doubt that you will have this trophy a couple of times in your career because you are amazing. It has been one of the most emotional matches of my tennis career. All the best to you in the future.”
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Another ‘what a moment’ moment.
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Medvedev’s speech. A very gracious runner-up.
He said: “It’s tough to talk after five hours and 30 minutes. I want to congratulate Rafa, what you did was amazing. “I tried to play but I was really tired. The level was really high.
“You raised the level after two sets, I thought you might get tired. You are an amazing champion. You guys have a great rivalry and it is not over yet.
“I want to thank my two guys in my box who were here all week. I hope we have more victories to come. I thank my wife but I think maybe the TV is broken now. I want to thank my team, I will forget someone but thanks for being with me. My parents, if you are still watching. I thank you for your support and I will try to be better next time.”
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Rafa Nadal steps up to the podium. He begins: “Good evening everyone. Or is it good morning now, I guess?”
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Medvedev says: “My wife isn’t here, she’s watching at home - I think the TV may be broken.”
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Daniil Medvedev stepping up for his interview now. Will keep you up to date on what he says.
Very tough for him to speak after that.
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
Picture speaks a thousand...
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Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
That was a modern day classic. Absolutely remarkable from Rafa Nadal as he comes from two sets down to beat US Open champion Daniil Medvedev.
You have to feel for Medvedev - losing a match that lasts five hours and 24 minutes.
But, put simply, he was up against a legend. A legend who would not be denied.
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