Australian Open:Nadal beats Medvedev to win record 21st title

Rafael Nadal created history at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday as he won a historic 21st Grand Slam title, defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the final of the Australian Open. In a match that lasted over five hours, Nadal made an incredible turnaround to beat Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5. This was the first time in over 14 years that Nadal came from two sets down to win a Grand Slam game; the last was in the 2007 Wimbledon where he defeated Mikhail Youzhny of Russia in the fourth round. Rafael Nadal defeated Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller to win the title.

Another chapter is written @RafaelNadal defeats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 7-5 to win his second #AusOpen title in an epic lasting five hours and 24 minutes.

: @wwos @espn @eurosport @wowowtennis #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/OlMvhlGe6r

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2022

Medvedev started strong in the match and took the first set 6-2 with relative ease, breaking Nadal’s serve twice and then serving it out in 42 minutes. Nadal’s first serve percentage was down to 54% compared with Medvedev’s 82%. The Russian then took a 6-2, 7-6 (5) lead after the dramatic second set that saw a protester jump from the stands into the playing arena at Nadal’s end. The security sprung into action moments after the intruder entered the court and cast him away.

Legendary status #AusOpen #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/7uDDds3x7z

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2022

The Spaniard became the first male tennis player to win 21 Grand Slam titles, going ahead of Switzerland's Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic of Serbia; both tied at 20 each.