Rafael Nadal of Spain holds the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after defeating Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, early Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair)Australian Open 2022 Men’s Final Highlights: Rafa Nadal edged Daniil Medvedev in a classic Australian Open final on Sunday, roaring back from two sets down to claim a record 21st Grand Slam title only months after fearing his glorious career might be over due to injury.
With Novak Djokovic forced out by deportation and Roger Federer recovering from knee surgery, the Spanish great is now one major title clear of his ‘Big Three’ rivals after surviving the 2-6 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 7-5 thriller at Rod Laver Arena.
Riding a wave of raucous support from the crowd, a vintage Nadal pulled off one of his finest performances to deny Medvedev again, less than three years after leaving the Russian heartbroken in five sets at the 2019 U.S. Open final. In a match steeped in drama, Nadal was two points from the title but was broken as he served for the match at 5-4.He held firm to break Medvedev again and served out the match to love, rushing in to deliver a backhand volley as a stunning coup de grace.
“Good evening everyone ... good evening or good morning, at least. First of all I know it’s a tough moment, Daniil, you are an amazing champion, I’ve been in this position a couple of times in this tournament, having chances to have the trophy with me, but I don’t have any doubt that you have this trophy a couple of times in your career, because you’re amazing, so I want to congratulate you. It was one of the most emotional matches of my tennis career and to share a court with you is just an honour, so all the best in the future."
Addressing the crowd: "I even don’t know what to say guys. For me, it’s just amazing, being honest, one month and a half ago, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to be back on the tour playing tennis again. And today I’m here in front of all you with this trophy with me, and you don’t know how much I’ve fought to be here. I can’t thank you enough for all the support I’ve had since I arrived here, you are just amazing.”
“I want to congratulate Rafa because what you did what was amazing ... After the match I asked him - “Are you tired?” [Laughs]. The level was very high ... you raised your level after two sets ... Congrats, it was unbelievable, and congrats to your team, of course. I want to thank two guys in my box ... they were here all week ... thanks for sharing this tough moment with me. Usually my wife is in the box, yeah, I think the TV is probably broken right now. To my sisters, my parents, I want to thank you for your support, if you are still watching, and I’m going to try to be better next time. Craig, you’re an amazing tournament director and I hope you stay for at least 15 years. Last but not least, I just wanted to thank my team again, thank you guys.”
Rafael Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in an epic Australian Open final to claim record 21st Grand Slam title. Nadal has passed Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic with a 21st Grand Slam singles title, the most in men's tennis history.
Epic from Nadal to win a record 21st Slam coming back from 2 sets down to win in over 5 hours. He keeps going at 35.
Medvedev breaks—and then Nadal breaks back. By converting his third break point. Nadal 6-5 serving for the 21st Grandslam and 2nd Aus Open Title
Daniil Medvedev breaks Rafael Nadal—who led 30-0—as the Spaniard served for a record 21st Grand Slam title. 5-5 in the fifth set 5 hours 15 minutes all are equal now. Anyone can take this match, the match is still in the balance (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 5-5 Medvedev)
Medvedev with the big hold. This one is for the title. Nadal to now serve for the title after having lost the first two sets. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 5-4 Medvedev)
Nadal holds for 5-3 lead. The Spaniard is one game away for the title.
Good response from the Russian, who quickly rattles off a love service game. This is still so close! Rafa got the break. Had a 14 minute game to hold serve. Medvedev held to love. Rafa is *4-3 up, but seems to have more fatigue now. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 4-3 Medvedev)
Nadal consolidates an early break to lead 4-2. Medvedev earns three break points, but Nadal wipes them all away. And holds. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 4-2 Medvedev)
Rafael Nadal breaks in the fifth set with a trademark monster forehand, that may portend tennis history. He needs three more games for a record 21st grand slam title. Nadal gets the break and edges in front. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 3-2 Medvedev)
The Spaniard also holds to love and there’s nothing to separate the finalists at the moment. First player to break serve could be the winner. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 2-2 Medvedev)
Medvedev holds for 2-1; gets an upper thigh massage from the trainer. Out there for more than 4.5 hours now. Medvedev has run 4.6 km; Nadal 4.3 km. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 1-2 Medvedev)
This is it. The deciding set! Nadal does his bit and holds. Medvedev seems to be struggling physically. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 1-1 Medvedev)
What a thrilling comeback! Nadal wins the fourth set 6-4 to take the final to the deciding set. Few saw coming, not all that long ago. (Despite the match's 4:12 duration.) The first two went Medvedev's way, 6-2, 7-6 (2). The next two went Nadal's way, 6-4, 6-4. Who wins the last one?
The last time Rafael Nadal won a match after being down two sets was at Wimbledon in 2007. He had three Grand Slam titles at the time.
Rafael Nadal hits three unforced errors from the ground, faces 15-40. But Daniil Medvedev can't close, and after trying some ill-advised drop shots, falls behind in the fourth set, 5-3. Nadal is potentially a game away from taking it to a deciding fifth. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 5-3 Medvedev)
Seven games played in the fourth set. Nadal still has the break advantage with a 4-3 lead. Can Medvedev strike back in this set? (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 4-3 Medvedev)
That was a spectacular hold from Nadal. He is playing without a serve here but holds for 4-2. Medvedev hanging tough though for 3-4 with love game. Rafa not moving to the ball is worrying for his fans but it could be conserving his energy for serves. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 4-2 Medvedev)
From 0-40, Daniil Medvedev saves six break points. But the seventh chance is a charm for Rafael Nadal, who breaks for a 3-2 lead in the fourth set. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 2-2 Medvedev)
And Medvedev has broken right back! 2-2 in the fourth set. Medvedev is enjoying the match, patting his racquet after every point he earns. He is definitely looking to end the match in this set. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 2-2 Medvedev)
Nadal breaks Medvedev to take a 2-1 lead in the fourth. Double fault and the break! Nadal is a break up in the fourth and the physio is out for Medvedev. Three and a half hours we'are still going.
You CANNOT write off Rafael Nadal Until match point has been won! Nadal gets the third set on his racquet after breaking for 5-4—and holds at love. He wins the third set 6-4 to cut Medvedev's lead of 2 sets. Nadal stays alive to force a fourth set!
Rafael Nadal breaks and will serve for the third set against Daniil Medvedev! Nadal with the forehand winner to start game ten of the third set. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 5-4 Medvedev)
Medvedev's backhand is looking so good. Medvedev leads Rafael Nadal by two sets, and 4-3 in the third. Rafa to serve. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 3-4 Medvedev)
Medvedev wants the balls evenly distributed and gets booed.
Commentator: Medvedev likes to have two balls. And he likes both of the ball kids to have two balls each.
Nadal giving it absolutely everything. 0-40 down and pulls off an unreal drop shot, so gutsy, before levelling it at 3-3 in third set. Could be the turning point of the match? (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 3-3 Medvedev)
A love hold from Medvedev, who increases his ace tally to 13. Nadal to serve at 1-2 after the changeover. He's down two sets to Daniil Medvedev with the pair now 2-2 in the third set. Medvedev has been brilliant today. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 2-2 Medvedev)
Medvedev is in the zone right now and Nadal looks exhausted. Even though the match has been almost equal so far, Medvedev is the better player on court today. Medvedev starts the third set confidently. (Nadal 2-6, 6-7, 0-1 Medvedev)
What a thrilling set! Medvedev saves a set point to take two-set lead over Nadal, 6-2 7-6(5). Nadal led the second set of this final, 4-1—and then again, at 5-3—but eventually drops it, 7-6 (5). Medvedev was twice down a break, saved a set point in the ninth game, and was down a mini break on two occasions in the breaker.
Medvedev now up two sets, and he's won his last five in Grand Slam finals (three against Novak Djokovic).Medvedev is a set away from title.
The last time Rafael Nadal won from two sets down? In 2007, against Mikhail Youzhny, in fourth round of Wimbledon.
It's a tie-break in the second set! 2-1. Medvedev sends a backhand volley wide to give Rafa the mini-break but then makes it 2-1 with a crosscourt backhand winner.
68 minutes into the second set, Nadal holds for 6-5. A huge fist pump from Rafael Nadal. Daniil Medvedev will serve to try and take the second set to a tie-break. Huge hold for Nadal, guarantees himself at least a tiebreak in this second set. (Nadal 2-6, 6-5 Medvedev)
The second-set finish line eludes Nadal, as Medvedev converts on his fifth break point of the 3-5 game. (Nadal 2-6, 5-5 Medvedev)
A protestor leapt onto centre court and attempted to unfurl a banner and was quickly taken away by security at a crucial moment in the second set of the men's final between Nadal and Medvedev.
Medvedev led Nadal 30-15 and a consolidation of his break appeared imminent. But a push back from Rafa—and a drop-shot winner to end the game—leaves Daniil down 3-5 in the second. (Nadal 2-6, 5-3 Medvedev)
We're back on serve (3-4) after Medvedev makes Nadal pay for his inability to find a first serve. He wore down the Spaniard in a grueling rally to arrive at 15-40 and stepped in to force an error for the break. (Nadal 2-6, 4-3 Medvedev)
Rafael Nadal has broken in the second set! Nadal looking to conserve some energy on return games while up a break, as he has been for most of this tournament. Not too many players where it feels like one break of serve is not enough. Medvedev is one of them, though. (Nadal 2-6, 4-1 Medvedev)
Vintage Nadal, dictated the first point of the game with his forehand. He has broken Medvedev's serve for the first time in the match. If the game goes deep, the chances of Rafa winning the match is higher. Medvedev needs to ensure that he is not losing to Nadal in rallies. (Nadal 2-6, 3-1 Medvedev)
The 20-times Grand Slam Champion has been put under tremendous pressure by Daniil Medvedev. Nadal has found it hard to get going in the match so far. Medvedev is looking like someone, who has got the cheat code and is playing on his own terms. Nadal has to work hard for every point. (Nadal 2-6, 2-1 Medvedev)
Clinical from Daniil Medvedev. He takes the first 6-2 quite comfortably. He has broken Nadal's serve twice, and so far it is long like one-way traffic. The Russian has won five games in a row. (Nadal 2-6 Medvedev)
The Russian is running wild in the court. Nadal is looking clueless. Nadal has become too predictable and is crumbling under the pressure. Second, break for the No 2 seed and he will now serve for the first set. Before the final, Nadal has conceded only five break points, Medvedev has taken two in the first set. (Nadal 2-5 Medvedev)
A pretty simple break for Daniil Medvedev. It was written on the walls. Nadal barely managed to hold on to his first two serves. The Spaniard is struggling. (Nadal 2-3 Medvedev)
What a magnificent game. Medvedev pushed Nadal to the brink, and the 35-year-old veteran has barely managed to hold onto his serve. Nadal has been forced to earn the points by Medvedev. Nadal wins a couple of outrageous points, but it is the Russian, who is having the upper hand in this mouth-watering clash so far. Incredible tennis from the duo. (Nadal 2-1 Medvedev)
Quite a smooth first point for Medvedev. He has definitely picked up where he left off against Stefanos Tsitsipas. He finished the game off with a bullet ace. It is all square. (Nadal 1-1 Medvedev)
What a first game. Intense extended rallies, put your seat belts on. And yes, Rafael Nadal somehow, managed to hold his first serve, followed by a huge uproar from the crowds. No brainer, who is a crowd favourite at the Rod Laver Rena. Meanwhile, Medvedev is leading the win predictor race by 64% to 36% for this match. (Nadal 1-0 Medvedev)
Stay tuned for the match to begin. Nadal has won the flip of the coin and opted to serve.
Nadal will go into the Rod Laver Arena contest with a 3-1 overall lead in previous meetings but Medvedev won their most recent contest when he took down the Spaniard in the semi-finals of the 2020 ATP Finals.
A win will cement Medvedev's status as the leader of the next generation, who will give the 'old guard' a run for their money in an exciting year for the sport and end their iron grip on Slam titles. Medvedev will himself aim to become the first man, since tennis became professional in 1968, to win a second Grand Slam title immediately after claiming his first following his 2021 US Open success.
A win today and Nadal will break a three-way tie for the most major titles in the men's game, with the Spaniard nosing ahead of rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer with a 21st Slam.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Australian Open 2022 final between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev. Stay tuned for all the live action.