Nadal's date with history

Perhaps the best way to make tennis history is by doing it when no one is expecting it at all.

- JAMIE BRAIDWOOD

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.