‘That was the greatest comeback!’ John McEnroe STUNNED by Rafael Nadal’s brilliance at the Australian Open
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Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe
Rafael Nadal’s astonishing win over World No.2 Daniil Medvedev has won the hearts of not just his fans but every person who watched the match. No one thought that Nadal would win the trophy after being down for two sets and then he made an amazing comeback not only in the game but also from everything that stopped him from playing in the last season and won the title along with the hearts of millions of people watching and cheering for him.
His victory left former American tennis star John McEnroe in awe and the player left a beautiful note to congratulate the champion. He was surprised by Rafa’s bewildering comeback at Rod Laver.
McEnroe said: “Well I’m trying to think of greater comebacks, I remember when I was a ball boy, I believe way back in 1975, Manuel Orantes (in the semi-finals of the US Open). It certainly was one of the greatest comebacks, given the set of circumstances, that I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, I was part of one where I was up two sets to love and lost that. It’s more monumental than [Stefanos] Tsitsipas being up two sets to love (in last year’s French Open), even though that was a huge moment for Novak to be able to come back and win the French Open for the second time.”
“Considering everything that had gone on as far as Rafael Nadal, not playing for almost six months, having the surgery, then getting Covid and then everything that was going on with Novak because they were slated to play in the semi-finals. To see him do that the way he did, I would like to say that was the greatest comeback – at least since the guy who beat me in the French Open (McEnroe v Lendl, 1984, 3-6 2-6 6-4 7-5 7-5),” McEnroe told Eurosport.
John McEnroe on Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic
McEnroe further spoke on the Big 3 and expressed that he wants to see all of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic to end up with the same number of slams.
“What I wanted was that they all end up with the same number,” John said. “It’s okay if they are all at 21 and it’s okay if they are all at 22. I’ve already seen that Roger sent out a tweet and Novak – which I think is classy to congratulate him – because that’s what sports is all about.“
“What we just watched is what gives people goosebumps, and why you dream about being part of a match like that. I am proud as an ex-tennis player that I was able to watch someone do that, I admire that. It made me think wow, I wish I could have tried harder, found a way to do more. It’s really an incredible achievement. I would never want someone to lose – especially the way that played out, I wouldn’t want that to happen – it just seems like they’re all so great that you sort of want them to tie, but at this point obviously, it’s doubtful.”
He doubted that his wish will come true or not but added that Nadal looks set to win his 22nd major because of Djokovic’s uncertainty on tour.
“I think it’s doubtful that Roger’s gonna win another one. How much is he going to play? But then again, you know, we didn’t expect Rafa to do that here. With Novak everything’s up in the air at the moment, especially if he’s not playing in the French. The next thing, you know, Rafa is gonna have 22,” he added.
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Drishti Geete
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