“We almost lost hope” Toni Nadal recalls nephew Rafael Nadal’s thrilling comeback win at the 2022 Australian Open
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Toni Nadal and Rafael Nadal
In what was the second-longest Grand Slam final, World No. 5 Rafael Nadal defeated World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev to win the 2022 Australian Open in one of the greatest comeback stories of the sport. Nadal won the match 2-6, 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in the marathon match that lasted for 5 hours and 24 minutes and finished after 1 AM in Australia.
Having dropped the first two sets, Nadal was 2-3 down and was almost broken by Medvedev who had 3 breakpoints to his name and many thought it was the end of the match for the Spaniard and his wait for the historic 21st Grand Slam will continue. Nadal, however, battled his way to claim the set and eventually the match.
While a win would have made Medvedev the new World No. 1, the Russian was disappointed for the lack of support and more importantly the constant booing and whistling directed towards him throughout the tournament. While Medvedev had to battle the crowd as well, Nadal was the clear favourite from the moment he stepped on to the court and continued to get crowd support throughout.
Speaking about the achievement of Nadal, his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal expressed his joy over his nephew’s historic victory knowing how difficult a journey it was for Rafael who was considering retirement a few weeks ago and did not expect himself to win the Slam.
“When he lost the second set, we almost lost hope. But I was one of those who still thought that Rafa could win. In reality, for me, everything he did for two weeks is a miracle. The truth is that my nephew is a great champion,” said Toni while speaking with Eurosport Spain from the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy where he is the director.
Rafael Nadal now the player with the most Grand Slam titles for the first time in his career
Despite having won 20 titles earlier, it was his 21st title that takes him to the top of the list of most majors for the first time in his career. Having shared the race for the most number of Slams with close rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, this is the first time in his illustrious career that the Spaniard is on the top.
With the Tour now resuming again, Nadal is yet to confirm his next tournament as his favourite Clay season will return soon when he will now be looking for his 14th French Open and 22nd Grand Slam title at the 2022 French Open.
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Sarthak Shitole
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