“Credit to Daniil Medvedev, Rafael Nadal showed what real glamour is” Former British No. 1 believes the Big-3 ‘still have something to offer’

Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev played one of the fiercest Grand Slam finals when the duo clashed in the finals of the 2022 Australian Open. Nadal was looking for his historic 21st Grand Slam and 2nd Australian Open title while Medvedev came hunting his 2nd major, 1st in Melbourne Park and by winning the title, become the new World No. 1.

However, after an intense battle of 5 hours and 24 minutes that went past the 1 AM mark in Australia, Nadal won the finals in what became the second-longest Grand Slam finals ever. Nadal had lost the first two sets and had to defend 3 breakpoints in the 3rd set at a very important moment in the match. The Spaniard however gave another exhibit of his mental strength to win the title against all odds.

While Medvedev missed out on the opportunity to become the new World No.1, the Russian eventually ascended to the top of the rankings in less than a month’s time becoming the new world no. 1 on 28th February 2022, breaking a dominance of 18 years of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Nadal to become the first player other than these 4 legends since 2004.

“All credit to Daniil Medvedev for becoming World No.1, but I believe these legends of our game still have something to offer. Then Rafa turns up and reminds you what real glamour is with a five-hour final like that and a narrative you couldn’t have written. Who knows what Novak still has to say and if Roger can be a part of it,” said former British No. 1 Andrew Castle in his latest interaction with Tennis365.

“Novak Djokovic’s face When Rafael Nadal made it 21 Grand Slams”: Castle on what was the missing camera in Australian Open

By winning the Australian Open this year, Nadal is now the only man with 21 Grand Slam titles to his name. He leads in the race for the most Slams for the first time in his career as his close rivals Federer and Djokovic are now tied on the 2nd spot with 20 majors each.

“We can see a future without those guys, but I’d rather not contemplate that at the moment. I can’t help but think that if Roger can tee it up at Wimbledon, he can still be a part of that tournament. With Novak, I’d imagine his motivation will be 1000 percent going forward. Whether he will be allowed to play in France we don’t know, but I think he’s going to be incredibly motivated.

“The only camera we were missing at the Australian Open was one on Novak’s face when Rafa made it to 21 Grand Slams. I’m sure he will want to come back and be part of that story again,” added Castle during the interview further believing that the legendary trio will mesmerize the tennis fraternity once again.

Also Read: “Ban Daniil Medvedev from all Grand Slams” demands Ukrainian Tennis Federation President

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