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 *4-3 Medvedev
Nadal with a wild forehand at the start of his service game! A few groans and concerned noises coming from the pro-Nadal crowd. Can he hold his nerve at 0-15?
Oh that’s a carbon copy! The EXACT same forehand is missed again by Nadal. 0-30 now.
He doesn’t miss that one though! An overhead smashed is put away ruthlessly by the man seeking a 21st Grand Slam title.
A skewed backhand this time from Nadal! Two break points for Medvedev after three unforced errors from the Spaniard.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 4-3* Medvedev
Medvedev is keen to get on with this service game. He wants to put the pressure straight back on Nadal.
The Spaniard fails to get any of Medvedev’s first three serves back over the net as the scoreboard quickly ticks to 40-0.
Nadal finally gets one back as his return clips the tape, but Medvedev is there to finish the game off into an open court.
Over to you, Rafa.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 *4-2 Medvedev
Medvedev has made a habit of winning the first point on Nadal’s serve immediately after being broken. He does the same here.
SOMEHOW Nadal then gets a superb Medvedev return back and earns the point as the Russian goes long!
And then Nadal wins a quite breathtaking point at the net! Medvedev looked to have won it by reaching Nadal’s drop shot but couldn’t find a way past the Spaniard. Nadal finished him off by turning the ball into the open court. 30-15.
A lovely serve-forehand combination is followed up by a wonder volley at the net from Nadal.
He holds.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 *3-2 Medvedev
It’s honestly tiring just watching them.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 3-2* Medvedev
Nadal can’t keep his return of serve in. Back to deuce we go.
Now it’s Nadal’s turn to make Medvedev clamber all over the place as the Russian scuffs one into the bottom of the net. A sixth break point for Nadal in this game alone!
Still no! Medvedev makes the crosscourt passing shot as Nadal comes to the net.
Nadal gets depth on the return and Medvedev finds the net once more. Break point SEVEN.
AND HE GETS IT THIS TIME! Nadal passes Medvedev at the net for another break of serve!
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 2-2* Medvedev
Medvedev tries the passing shot as Nadal comes to the net. Nadal gets across to it but can only find the net! Advantage Medvedev. What a game.
Nadal somehow gets a Medvedev forehand back into play and the Russian skews his effort MILES out. The crowd jeer. They’re loving it every time Medvedev makes a mistake. Deuce.
Medvedev draws Nadal to the net and comes off second best. Another break point!
Break point saved by Medvedev following a straight forehand.
But Nadal eekes out another advantage with his own fizzing forehand.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 2-2* Medvedev
The perfect forehand from Nadal at the start of Medvedev’s service game. The Spaniard searching for the third break of serve in as many games.
And he makes the passing shot at the net! 0-30!
Oh and that’s mesmerising from Nadal! A backhand clocks 147km/h and here are three break points!
Medvedev saves one as Nadal hooks into the net.
A second is saved with the serve and volley.
OH SO CLOSE! Nadal misses a forehand crosscourt by mere inches! Deuce!
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 *2-2 Medvedev
Medvedev goes long with a backhand as the crowd begin to get on top once more. Nadal is feeling the sense of occasion and loving every minute.
Medvedev works his way back into the game though and the trusted backhand down the line gives him a 15-30 lead.
The world number two is making Nadal play one, two, three more shots than he should have to. This time the Spaniard is equal to it as he eventually pierces the Russian defence with a flat forehand.
But here’s a break point as Nadal shanks one into the net! 30-40.
Nadal’s forehand goes long! Medvedev breaks straight back.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 *2-1 Medvedev
Is the pressure getting to him? Medvedev had the game within his grasp after taking the first two sets. Now he is staring down the barrel of a decider.
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