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
The moment it happened. The moment Rafa Nadal made history by securing a 21st Grand Slam title.
What an incredible achievement.
Australian Open final: Rafa Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5
SIMPLY UNBELIEVABLE.
NO, I WON’T TAKE CAPS LOCK OFF.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5 Medvedev
RAFA NADAL HAS DONE IT! ABSOLUTELY ASTONISHING! FROM TWO SETS DOWN, HE HAS WON THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN!
A 21ST GRAND SLAM TITLE!
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *6-5 Medvedev
ACE! 40-0. THREE CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *6-5 Medvedev
Wonderful backhand from Nadal forces Medvedev to find the net and get the Spaniard off to the perfect start. 15-0.
Medvedev goes long with a return. 30-0 again for Nadal! He’s two points away. But we’ve been here before...
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *6-5 Medvedev
He couldn’t serve out the match a few minutes ago. Now he has the opportunity to do it all over again.
Rafa Nadal, for the second time, will serve for a 21st Grand Slam title.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 6-5* Medvedev
Nadal skews a backhand wide. Not a good time to make an unforced error like that. Deuce in yet another game.
A wonderful Nadal forehand and Medvedev can’t keep his defensive shot in! Nadal has the advantage. Another break point.
The serve gets Medvedev out of trouble. Deuce again.
A Medvedev backhand goes long! Another break point opportunity for Nadal.
MEDVEDEV GOES LONG AGAIN! NADAL HAS BROKEN AGAIN!
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 5-5* Medvedev
This match is moving so fast, I can’t keep up.
Nadal passes Medvedev with a forehand that he simply cannot get enough on to keep in.
Then it’s Nadal who is forced to stretch and can only hook a tired slice into the net. 15-15.
Ace. 30-15.
Wonderful from Nadal! He meets Medvedev’s drop shot with one of his own which beats the Russian!
Break point Nadal! Medvedev goes wide with a forehand!
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *5-5 Medvedev
He has! Nadal puts a backhand into the net and Medvedev breaks!!
CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?! Nadal was 30-0 up and two points away from the title!
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