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“Biggest Comeback of My Career”: Rafael Nadal Evaluates His Masterclass Performance at Australian Open 2022 Finals Against Daniil Medvedev
A left foot injury forced Nadal to announce that he would not take part in the 2021 Wimbledon Championship, the Tokyo Olympics, and the US Open. While he did not undergo surgery, he was on crutches just a few months back. He also spoke about how his team had contemplated whether he could even be back at the tour at all, let alone lift another title.
This was Nadal’s sixth final at Melbourne Park, where he won way back in 2019. In 2012, he lost to Novak Djokovic, in a match that lasted 5 hours 53 minutes- the longest final at a final of any major. In 2014, he lost to Stan Wawrinka and in 2017 to Roger Federer.
From one Slam champion to another #AusOpen • #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/YUjGDeepv4
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2022
He said that this win, therefore, was ‘most unexpected’ and ‘surprising‘. This was more so, given the condition he had been in, leading up to the season. He had only played an exhibition tournament at Mubadala Tennis Championship and the Melbourne Summer Set before beginning his quest for the 21st Grand Slam.
Rafael Nadal said this evening would be “unforgettable”
In the post-match interview, Nadal described this victory as something that was ‘unforgettable’. He also mentioned that this was, without a doubt, one of his most emotional matches. “If we put everything together, the scenario, the momentum … without a doubt, it’s probably been the biggest comeback of my tennis career,” he said.
Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 31, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning the final against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Nadal, who has always maintained that he was unperturbed by the Grand Slam tally, said that 21 was indeed a special number.
“I feel honoured. I feel lucky to achieve one more very special thing in my tennis career. I don’t care much if I am the one or not the one, or the best in history or not the best in history. Honestly, today I don’t care much… For me it’s about enjoying nights like today. That means everything for me. It means even more to achieve a second Australian Open – more than any other thing,” he added. 4
Truly, an icon of the game and the greatest to grace the courts, Nadal is a modern-day legend.
Watch this story: From Locker Room Fight to Deportation: Biggest Australian Open 2022 Controversies
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