Rafael Nadal wins the Australian Open in a five-set thriller against Daniil Medvedev to become the most decorated Grand Slam champion ever in men’s singles tennis

Rafael Nadal has become the most decorated player in men’s singles tennis history after battling back from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final.

Nadal won 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in over five hours of pulsating tennis on Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne that saw it play out past 1am.

In doing so, the Spaniard won his 21st Grand Slam title – taking him one above long-time rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

The victory was only Nadal’s second Australian Open success – with his other 19 titles consisting of a record-breaking 13 French Open titles, two Wimbledons and four US Opens.

The 35-year-old had played down his title chances at the season’s opening slam after being sidelined for large chunks of the 2021 season with a career-threatening foot problem and illness from contracting coronavirus.

Rafael Nadal: ‘One of the most emotional matches in my tennis career’

‘It was one of the most emotional matches in my tennis career,’ Nadal said in his on-court interview. ‘I don’t know what to say. For me, it’s just amazing.

‘Being honest, one month and a half ago, I did not know if I will be able to be back on the tour and play tennis again. And today, in front of all of you (the crowd), having this trophy with me… you really don’t know how much I fought to be here.

‘Having the huge support that I received during the three weeks is going to stay in my heart forever.’

It was Nadal’s second title triumph at Melbourne Park after he won in 2009.

‘Maybe there is a chance I say that was my last Australian Open, but no, I have plenty of energy to keep going,’ Nadal added.

‘I can’t explain the feelings I have right now but I am going to keep trying my best and keep coming here.’