Rafael Nadal has written another piece of glorious chapter in his illustrious career on Sunday (January 30) as he conquered his 21st major trophy by outclassing second seed Daniil Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7 -5 in a thrilling encounter that lasted more than five hours. The win now sees him go past both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic for most major titles in men's tennis. The Australian Open crown is his second, his last triumph coming 13 years ago in 2009.
Nadal's remarkable comeback from two sets down
The veteran had to crawl out from two sets down to produce a remarkable comeback. Medvedev had taken full control of the match in the first two sets, but Nadal's incredible composure saw him make a remarkable recovery. He saved four break points in the deciding set and made sure he gets over the line. The epic final was his 29th at a major tournament and sixth at the Australian Open.
This also is the first time that a player has comeback from two sets down to win the Australian Open final since Roy Emerson in 1965 when he beat Fred Stolle.
Joins a unique class with two career Grandslams
Nadal's win on Sunday now means that he has two career Grandslams, winning all the four major titles at least twice. He joins the great Rod Laver and Djokovic to have won a career Grandslam on two occasions.
Nadal, 35, now has 13 French Opens, four US Open, two Wimbledon and two Australian Open titles. Incredibly, the trio of Nadal, Federer and Djokovic has now won the last 57 out of 67 major titles, once again highlighting their dominance.
13 years since his last triumph and tears
The last time Nadal won the Australian Open title back in 2009, Roger Federer was seen in tears. 13 years later Nadal has once again clinched the glory and this time he was seen in tears. The occasion was once again brought into memories as Nadal went to his box and was seen in tears as the player had suffered from injuries and was at a point where he thought of leaving the sport.
