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.
この記事は The Independent の January 31, 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Independent の January 31, 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Marvel's latest promo video treats its viewers like idiots
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ will ‘make enemies with Disney’ and ‘lower your IQ’... and that’s according to its own star! Louis Chilton finds the film’s ironic sales pitch mirthless
Coldplay haters get a life...or should that be viva la vida
As the British band prepare to headline Glastonbury for a record-breaking fifth time, Mark Beaumont assesses their legacy and questions why some critics are still so disdainful
Future of fashion is at stake
Clothing brand The Vampire’s Wife, co-founded by Susie Cave, helped define idiosyncratic British glamour. Its sudden closing down reflects an industry in peril
The sickening truth of the Nazi camp on British soil
For years, debate has raged about how many died in the occupation of Channel Island Alderney. It was no ‘miniAuschwitz’ but there were atrocities
Boehly has turned Chelsea into England's silliest club
Have they ever thought the problem might be them? Obviously not, of course, because that might take a level of self-awareness or humility and the capacity to acknowledge the failings at Chelsea start at the top.
Lookman sets Dublin alight and makes Atalanta history
Ademola Lookman’s lift-off finally brings Xabi Alonso down to earth.
Two uncapped players in Scotland Euro 2024 squad
Liverpool’s Ben Doak, 18, included as injury rules out three
Inflation is down but devil is in detail for homeowners
Across the economy, price rises slowed significantly in April with the rate of inflation declining to 2.3 per cent from 3.2 per cent.
M&S has the 'wind in its sails' as profits surge 58%
Retail giant says past year’s results the best since 1997
Kashmiris reject Modi's claims over record turnout
PM insists high voter numbers vindicate controversial BJP policies but locals say opposite
