Nadal fightback ensures record grand slam victory

Spaniard beat Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5

- JAMIE BRAIDWOOD

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 thrilling and physically brutal battle over more than five hours in Melbourne.

“Being honest, one month and a half ago, I didn't know if I was going to be able to back playing tennis again,” an exhausted Nadal said after prevailing in the second-longest grand slam final of all time. “You really don't know how much I fought to be here.

“I thought this might be my last Australian Open but this has given me enough energy to maybe keep going. I will keep trying my very best to come again next year. Thank you."

Medvedev, the US Open champion and tournament favourite, was aiming to become the first player in the Open era to win a second grand slam title immediately after winning his first and moved two sets up after winning 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 in the fifth, 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 perhaps the greatest win of his legendary career.