Nadal edges Medvedev in epic to claim Grand Slam record

Rafa Nadal edged Daniil Medvedev in a classic Australian Open final yesterday, roaring back from two sets down to claim a record 21st Grand Slam title only months after fearing his glorious career might be over due to injury.  

 With Novak Djokovic forced out by deportation and Roger Federer recovering from knee surgery, the Spanish great is now one major title clear of his Big Three rivals after surviving the 2-6 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 7-5 thriller at Rod Laver Arena.  
 “It was one of the most emotional matches in my tennis career,” Nadal said at the post-match presentation.   “It’s just amazing now being gone one month and a half ago I didn’t know if I will be able to be back on the tour playing tennis again.  

 “And today I’m here in front of all of you having this trophy with me.” Riding a wave of raucous support from the crowd, a vintage Nadal pulled off his greatest escape to deny Medvedev again, less than three years after leaving the Russian heartbroken in five sets at the 2019 U.S. Open final.  

 In a five-hour 24-minute epic steeped in drama, Nadal was two points from the title but was broken as he served for the match at 5-4.  

 He held firm to break Medvedev again and served out the match to love, rushing in to deliver a backhand volley as a stunning coup de grace.  

 Dropping his racket, Nadal shook his head and grinned, then kicked a tennis ball away and pumped his fists in delight.  -  REUTERS