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 *3-2 Medvedev
Oh and now Medvedev has a break point! The backhand down the line - which is his best weapon - has paid off for him yet again.
It’s not to be though. His return of serve floats out. Back to deuce we go.
Nadal spoons another forehand long and it’s a second break point of the game for Medvedev. The Russian has been wasteful with them so far this evening.
And he is again! His return goes into the net.
40-40 - as I feel most of this match has been spent.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *3-2 Medvedev
The serve is too good for Medvedev. He can’t keep it in and it’s advantage Nadal.
Back to deuce we go. Medvedev equal to the Nadal volley as he makes the passing shot to keep his chances of a break alive. Just.
Another first serve and another poor Medvedev return. Advantage Nadal once more.
Nope. Medvedev will not wilt. He gets on the front foot and forces Nadal to play a tired forehand into the net.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *3-2 Medvedev
ASTONISHING FROM NADAL! The pair trade at the back of the court for 10, 15, 20 strokes before Rafa pulls out a stunning crosscourt forehand to take a 15-0 lead. It’s only one point, but the momentum is well and truly with the Spaniard after that.
Ace. 30-0.
That was impressive from Medvedev, though. A great backhand keeps the Russian in this as he produces a rare winner. They have been hard to come by in recent games.
But into the net goes a Medvedev forehand. 40-15.
It’s Jekyll and Hyde from Medvedev! This time it’s a sensational forehand down the line for 40-30.
Another SLUGFEST eventually ends with Nadal making a forehand error. Deuce.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *3-2 Medvedev
I honestly cannot describe how good that forehand was. Medvedev was on the side where Nadal placed it, but he just couldn’t get to it.
If Nadal can hold his serve for the remainder of the set, he will win the Australian Open.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 3-2* Medvedev
Medvedev is definitely tired. He puts another backhand into the net. His serve is really the only thing keeping him in this match now.
Another break point for Nadal. And he has a second serve to face...
OH MY LORD! Nadal has just produced one of the greatest forehands you will ever see to break Medvedev in the fifth set.
INCREDIBLE!
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 2-2* Medvedev
Two big serves give Medvedev a 30-15 lead after Nadal wins the opening point on the Russian’s serve.
A HUGE forehand is then perfectly executed by Nadal - his 31st forehand winner of the match! Medvedev has had just 13.
Nadal then earns himself a break point as Medvedev finds the net, but the Russian’s serve keeps him in it.
Deuce.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *2-2 Medvedev
Nadal working over Medvedev and forcing the Russian to play a forehand slice long on the stretch. Nadal definitely the dominant player in the long rallies now.
Medvedev miscues a backhand down the line. 30-0. And a forehand goes wide as Nadal races to a 40-0 lead.
There’s the game. Medvedev can’t handle the Nadal serve and we’re all square again.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 *1-2 Medvedev
He has fought back from two sets down. Now Rafa Nadal faces the toughest task of all.
Both men will give it their all to win this final set. It would be Medvedev’s second Grand Slam. It would be Nadal’s 21st.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 1-2* Medvedev
A neat volley from Medvedev is followed up with a serve-forehand combination as the Russian takes a 30-0 lead.
Nadal then clatters a return into the umpire’s chair! A few laughs and jeers around the Rod Laver Arena. 40-0.
Ace. Game Medvedev. Swift hold.
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