Greatest Australian Open Final: AB de Villiers hailed Rafael Nadal as the LEGEND after the Spaniard claimed a record 21 Grand Slam titles. On Sunday, he beat Daniil Medvedev in an epic five-set thriller to win his 2nd Australian Open title in Melbourne.
Rafael Nadal did the unthinkable in Melbourne as he rallied from two sets down to clinch a record-breaking Grand Slam title. Nadal clinched his 21st Grand Slam title, the most by a men’s singles player, overtaking Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic to break the three-way tie. The Spaniard, who only returned from a foot injury in the build-up to the new season, defeated Daniil Medvedev, 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.
Greatest Australian Open Final: AB de Villiers hails Rafael Nadal as ‘LEGEND’ after Spaniard claims record 21st Grand Slam title
Rafa always shows us what Sport is all about. Respect for his opponent and the game, incredible fight till the end, and humility irrespective of his achievements. Legend
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) January 30, 2022
“Rafa always shows us what Sport is all about. Respect for his opponent and the game, incredible fight till the end, and humility irrespective of his achievements. Legend,” AB de Villiers tweeted.
Greatest Australian Open Final: AB de Villiers hails Rafael Nadal as ‘LEGEND’ after Spaniard claims record 21st Grand Slam title
Champion in Melbourne once again 🏆#AO2022 • #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/NLyuXwUwdt
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2022
Two sets down, the legendary Spaniard rallied to defeat the world number two, Daniil Medvedev, by 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-5 as he clinched the record-breaking Australian Open trophy at Rod Laver Arena. The title clash lasted for incredible five hours and 24 minutes. With this triumph, Nadal has broken his tie with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer for the most men’s singles Grand Slam titles in history.
The Spaniard has also become the fourth man in history to claim multiple crowns at all four majors. As expected the match started at very high intensity for the Russian as he broke Nadal twice early and grabbed a lead after the first set.
Greatest Australian Open Final: AB de Villiers hails Rafael Nadal as ‘LEGEND’ after Spaniard claims record 21st Grand Slam title