Rafael Nadal celebrates his Australian Open triumph after a five-hour, 24-minute battle against Rafael Nadal in the final.
Spaniard clings to Medvedev for record-breaking 21st major title
Rafael Nadal has completed an exciting return of two sets by Daniil Medwedef in the Australian Open final. It was only the fourth time the Spaniard had withdrawn from two sets and the first time since his fourth round Wimbledon victory against Mikhail Youzhny in 2007.
The stars – inclusive Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – went to social media to congratulate the left with his record-breaking 21st major title. Australian legend Rod Laver, former World no. 1 Andy Roddick, three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka, WTA icon Billie Jean King and others also shared their praise.
A final of Herculean proportions, thank you for a brilliant competition @RafaelNadal and @DaniilMedwed. Two AO crowns and 21 majors, given all you have endured, this historic victory is so special Rafa. It was a privilege to see you do what you love. Congratulations🚀
– Rod Laver (@rodlaver) 30 January 2022
Wow. happiness @RafaelNadal ! An absolute pleasure to watch
– andyroddick (@andyroddick) 30 January 2022
21 Grand Slam titles … Pure admiration for @RafaelNadal and his historical achievement 👑🏆 @AustralianOpen https://t.co/n7Vl9tIZFs
– Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) 30 January 2022
The mental and physical marathon of a 5-hour Grand Slam final requires eagerness, daring, spirit and determination.
Congratulations to @RafaelNadal on his 21st Grand Slam!
What a return! https://t.co/W5W5WyMcak
– Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) 30 January 2022
I love tennis 🎾❤️@RafaelNadal @DaniilMedwed @AustralianOpen
– Stanislas Wawrinka (@stanwawrinka) 30 January 2022
Sjoe @RafaelNadal!!! What a legend. 🏆 #AusOpen
– Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) 30 January 2022
Unbelievable @RafaelNadal 👏👏👏👏🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 wow wow 🏆🏆💪💪
– Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) 30 January 2022
I just cried @RafaelNadal you are my idol 😭
– Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) 30 January 2022
A LEGEND! 🏆⭐️
Congratulations, @RafaelNadal!! 🤩 https://t.co/XnDVmTYiuc
– Barbora Strycova (@BaraStrycova) 30 January 2022
Several athletes from outside tennis also congratulated Nadal, including soccer star Toni Kroos, Formula 1 driver George Russell and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Rafael Nadal. This is the tweet.
– Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) 30 January 2022
Sjoe @RafaelNadal. What an athlete! What a player! Congratulations on 21 🏆
– George Russell (@ GeorgeRussell63) 30 January 2022
This is absolutely magnificent. Stunning to say the least.
From 2 sets to coming back and winning your 21st Grand Slam is incredible.
Congratulations @RafaelNadal!#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/VHjjlb4GFN
– Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 30 January 2022
