Rafael Nadal defeated Daniil Medvedev 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in a thrilling five-hour, 24-minute Australian Open final to earn a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title. ATPTour.com relives the memorable battle through pictures.
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This was the fifth ATP Head2Head meeting between Nadal and Medvedev. They also clashed in the 2019 US Open final, which Nadal won in five sets.
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Medvedev got off to a quick start inside Rod Laver Arena. The World No. 2 made just five unforced errors in the first set to sprint to a 6-2 lead.
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The Russian then clawed through a gruelling 84-minute second set to take a two-set lead. Medvedev was firing on all cylinders. Not only was he more consistent than Nadal, but he used his baseline game to push the Spaniard all over the court.
Leading 3-2 in the third set, he earned a 0/40 advantage on Nadal’s serve. A second consecutive major title was drawing near for the 2021 US Open champion.
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But the crowd was fully behind Nadal throughout. The legendary lefty continued to fight for every point, and the fans helped inspire the 35-year-old to continue looking for ways back into the match.
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Nadal had only come back from two sets down three times in his career, with the most recent instance coming at Wimbledon in 2007 against Mikhail Youzhny. Nevertheless, the World No. 5 raised his level and forced a fourth set.
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Nadal fully seized the momentum from there, firing away with his lethal forehand and stepping into backhands inside the baseline. As Medvedev began to show holes in his game, the Spaniard took full advantage to push the clash into a deciding set. This was the seventh time a Grand Slam final Nadal has contested has gone to a fifth set.
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Despite letting slip his first opportunity to serve out the championship at 5-4 in the fifth set, Nadal immediately broke back to earn another chance. This time, the lefty converted to break a tie with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer for the most men’s singles major crowns in history.
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Nadal quickly went to his box to celebrate with his team and family. He shared an emotional moment with his father, Sebastian Nadal.
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This was Nadal’s 21st Grand Slam trophy and his 90th tour-level victory overall. The former World No. 1 is now 21-8 in major finals.
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