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 6-4 6-4 *5-4 Medvedev
Nadal spoons one beyond the baseline. It’s 30-15 and a few worries creep into the crowd.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *5-4 Medvedev
A serve and volley. 30-0. Rafa is two points away.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *5-4 Medvedev
Serve. Medvedev’s return is out. 15-0.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *5-4 Medvedev
After five hours and nine minutes, Rafa Nadal is preparing to serve for the Australian Open title.
He was two sets down at one stage in this match. But now, after a quite remarkable comeback, he has a 21st Grand Slam championship on his racquet.
Can he do it?
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 5-4* Medvedev
Medvedev serving to stay in the match.
OUTSTANDING FROM NADAL! The Spaniard finds as good a forehand as you will ever see to move within three points of the championship.
Nadal tries an acute slice but finds the net. Medvedev then comes to the net and moves 30-15 in front with a deft volley.
Double fault from Medvedev. 30-30.
A sliced backhand drifts wide from Nadal. And a drop shot hands Medvedev the game.
Over to you once again, Rafa.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *5-3 Medvedev
Nadal goes for the drop shot again. Medvedev meets it but the Spaniard thumps a forehand back at him that he just can’t control enough to keep him. 40-30 Nadal.
There’s the hold! Medvedev goes wide with a crosscourt backhand and Nadal is one game away from a 21st Grand Slam singles title.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *4-3 Medvedev
Rafa Nadal produces a sensational slice volley to begin his service game. The crowd are up as five hours comes up on the time.
That’s a miscued forehand from the 20-time Slam champion. Medvedev still very much in this - just one break needed.
Nadal with the brilliant drop shot! And under so much pressure! Medvedev can’t get there before it bounces twice. 30-15.
Medvedev straight onto the drop shot this time. He gets there and controls the crosscourt backhand for 30-30. Huge point coming up.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *4-3 Medvedev
Running on fumes.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 4-3* Medvedev
Medvedev needs to try and swiftly hold his serve. He can’t afford to fall two breaks down.
And he starts well, racing into a 30-0 lead as Nadal appears to be conserving a little energy following that mammoth hold in the last game.
Nadal sends another return long and it’s 40-0 within seconds of the game starting.
Ace. Game. Exactly what the doctor ordered for the Russian.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *4-2 Medvedev
Nadal goes long with another forehand but Medvedev can’t capitalise as he fails to return another Nadal serve.
Deuce once more. This game enters its 13th minute.
Advantage Nadal. Medvedev goes long with another return. He just can’t keep the consistency he had earlier.
Can Nadal close the game out this time? YES! He finishes it with a smash and solidifies his lead!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments