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 2-1* Medvedev
Immediately Medvedev is on the back foot on his own serve! After having break points, he is now 0-30 down! A wayward backhand and then a superb winner from Nadal.
Medvedev forces Nadal to go long for 15-30.
Ace. One saved.
DOUBLE FAULT! NADAL BREAKS!
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 *1-1 Medvedev
Trading massive shots at the back of the court and Nadal comes out on top. Can he close out the game this time? Another marathon this has been.
He holds! A remarkable effort from Nadal. Level in the fourth.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 *0-1 Medvedev
Into the net goes a drop shot from Nadal as Medvedev brings up a second break point. Can he take this one? Would be huge if he did.
This time it’s Medvedev who wilts. He fires a backhand into the net. Back to deuce we go.
Nadal brings Medvedev to the net and the Russian can’t find delicate enough hands for the volley winner. Advantage Nadal.
They exchange drop shots again as Nadal goes for the same shot! This time it doesn’t fall his way as Medvedev deftly clips it over him.
Deuce wants more!
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 *0-1 Medvedev
Nadal finally finds a way past the ever-present Medvedev who seems to be standing a mile away at the back of the court. He gets to two, three, four Nadal forehands but eventually prevails.
Backhand crosscourt works brilliantly for Medvedev as he finds the line for 15-15. Double fault and there’s pressure on the Nadal serve now at 15-30.
The pair exchange drop shots but Medvedev’s wasn’t good enough as Nadal races onto it with a winning forehand. 30-30.
Lovely shot from Medvedev kisses the line and Nadal can only find the net with his defence. Break point for the Russian.
WOW! Nadal with a titanic forehand! Deuce.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 0-1* Medvedev
Honestly, I feel like I need a longer break than these two.
We are back underway on the Medvedev serve as the Russian races into a 30-0 lead. It will be intriguing to see who has the better start to the fourth.
The crowd were beginning to goad Medvedev at the end of the third and he rose to it once - acknowledging them in a rather intimidatory manner.
Medvedev goes long for 30-15 and then wide in a similar fashion! 30-30.
No problems for the Russian that time though! A remarkably perfect drop shot beats Nadal all ends up. And a big serve seals it for Medvedev.
He holds. A big hold.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 Medvedev
Ladies and gentleman, we have a match.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 6-4 Medvedev
Rafael Nadal serving for the third set.
Majestic from Nadal! A forehand down the line gives him a 15-0 lead. And a big serve-forehand sees him move two points away from the set.
AND. THERE. IT. IS. Nadal takes the third set.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 5-4* Medvedev
I thought Nadal had got it! He looked to have finished Medvedev off with a volley at the net but somehow the Russian hooks it back into play and then Nadal fails to keep it in!
THIS TIME NADAL GETS IT THOUGH! A backhand down the line and Nadal has the break!
He will serve for the third set.
Australian Open final: Nadal 2-6 6-7 4-4* Medvedev
Wonderful crosscourt backhand from Nadal as Medvedev comes to the net! The crowd are really getting up now. They are behind Nadal, but more than anything they just want to see a fourth set.
Medvedev comes to the net once more and this time gets the volley just right.
That’s long from Medvedev, though. An unforced error brings up 15-30.
OH MY! Nadal somehow gets his return of serve over the net. He leaves Medvedev with a simple shot but he puts it into the net! 15-40 and two break points!
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