Rafael Nadal is back in the Australian Open final and one win away from a record-breaking 21st grand slam title, a prospect which has arisen suddenly and dramatically over the past two weeks in Melbourne to make a mockery of the suggestion that the tournament would struggle without the presence of a certain world No 1.
There are few things more dangerous in sport, particularly in tennis, than an opponent who has nothing to lose. Daniil Medvedev, on the hunt for his own slice of history, remains the favourite ahead of tomorrow’s final but Nadal has already come through worse odds to make it this far. The Spaniard, at the age of 35, is competing with the fearless enthusiasm of an 18-yearold on the brink of an unexpected first glory, fuelled by a sense that the time he has been granted is a gift from life itself.
Nadal revealed after his four-set victory over Matteo Berrettini in the semi-finals yesterday that he had been in a dark place just months ago as he dwelt on retiring from the sport due to a longstanding foot injury. His journey to the Australian Open final has seen him emerge into the light to rediscover a simple yet sheer enjoyment for the game. “I’m feeling alive again,” he admitted.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 29, 2022 من The Independent.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 29, 2022 من The Independent.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Leclerc lays curse to make it a Monaco home win at last
Under the blazing Mediterranean sunshine and crisp blue skies on this most prestigious of racing Sundays, this famed principality’s prodigal son finally realised his day of days.
Wembley exposed the flaws in City's unbeatable facade
Pep Guardiola identified the culprit, the man who cost Manchester City the double.
Saints hit jackpot as Leeds fail to escape play-off woe
After the expensive relegation, the lucrative promotion. Southampton contrived to finish bottom of the Premier League in a year when they spent some £160m, had three managers and only mustered six wins.
WHEN OASIS DRIED UP
Twenty years ago, the band played a disastrous Glastonbury show which, says Mark Beaumont, marked the beginning of the end for Liam and Noel Gallagher's Britpop dream
Would you take financial advice from a reality star?
As celebs from popular UK shows such as 'Love Island' and 'Geordie Shore' are charged with promoting an unauthorised foreign exchange scheme, Katie Rosseinsky delves into the dubious world of 'finfluencers' and their Instagram followers
PREMIUM BOND
Fans of 007 are rifling through car boots and sniping on eBay auctions to collect coveted memorabilia. Now, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson poised to take the role, a space on the shelf awaits.
Babies among dozens killed in fires across Indian capital
At least 37 people, including several children, were killed ina series of fires in a 24-hour period as India battles a brutal heatwave. Seven newborn babies died after a children’s hospital caught fire in the national capital Delhi, while another blaze in a residential complex in the city killed three people.
Modi courts young millions as poll momentum falters
In a bid to broaden its appeal, India's ruling party is pumping out online games, TV parodies and cartoons carrying divisive messages.
IDF airstrikes hit ‘safe area' in Rafah killing at least 35
At least 35 people were killed and dozens more were injured ina city in the southern area of Gaza, Palestinian authorities said yesterday.
Russian strike on Kharkiv shopping centre kills 14 as Zelensky calls for Western support
Ukrainian officials have said 44 people were injured while seven people remain missing