Australian Open men’s final result: How Rafael Nadal celebrated becoming the grand slam GOAT
Celebrations often go into the early hours for grand slam winners, but Rafael Nadal’s lack of sleep was for a different reason.
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Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal didn’t have a wink of sleep having returned to his hotel room at 5am in the wake of his crowning glory.
But there wasn’t even an ounce of celebration to show for the dawn turn-in.
The Spaniard’s gruelling five-set epic against Daniil Medvedev – which went for almost six hours after he fought back from two sets down to claim a record-breaking 21st major title – took its toll on his 35-year-old body that was on crutches two months ago due to a debilitating foot injury and battling Covid in December.
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And while not even a record grand slam victory was enough to break a four-month self-imposed alcohol ban, Nadal was ginger on Monday at Melbourne’s Government House – but anything but jaded.
“I would love to (have been able to) celebrate, but I was not able to celebrate,” he laughed.
“I arrived to the bedroom after the anti-doping control and press at around 5am.
“So I just tried to eat something and try sleep but was not possible.”
He conceded that his body was “not very well” just 12 hours after he lifted the trophy in what he declared was the “most unexpected” title of his 21-year professional career.
“The satisfaction is just impossible to describe,” Nadal said.
“For me, it’s just amazing to have this trophy with me.
“It has been a very, very special one.
“I think for all the things that happened during the last the last months and be able to compete again and do it the way that I did is just something unforgettable.
“It is one of the most emotional finals in my tennis career.”
Tributes from long-time rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – who was sensationally deported on the eve of the tournament, for which he had been favourite to win – flowed in the aftermath of the Spanish superstar’s glory, with Federer saying “never underestimate a great champion” and lauding his “fighting spirit”.
Nadal has broken away from the pair to 21 major wins, the most of any player in history.
Regardless of his own status or who finishes their career with the most silverware, he said it would not define the trio’s legacy.
“We always have been very respectful with each other,” he said.
“I think we understood the rivalry in a positive way during all of our careers … I received plenty of messages. I’m sorry that I was not able yet to answer everyone, as you can imagine.
“But I really feel very proud about the way that we manage our rivalry and during all our careers.
“At the end of the day, it’s just a game and in some way we achieved more than what we ever dreamt when we were kids.
“At the end, it doesn’t matter that much if it’s 20, 21 or one’s finished with 23 and others with 21. We did, I think, very important things for our sport and we achieved our dreams and we enjoy it.
“I feel lucky to be a part of this era which has been very special for our sport.”
Djoker, Fed on Nadal’s record-breaking win
Rafael Nadal’s four-month booze ban helped power his surge past Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer to claim an historic 21st grand slam, a feat Federer and Djokovic immediately heaped praise on.
Nadal thought he was in for a third dose of five-set heartbreak in the Australian Open final when he was broken from 30-0 up while serving for the championship against Russian Daniil Medvedev.
But the nightmare quickly morphed into a fairytale, just months after he and Federer were joking about both hobbling around on crutches as injuries threatened their careers.
“I thought f***, I am going to lose like in 2012 and 2017,” Nadal told Eurosport.
“But I just kept fighting. I can lose, he can win, but I can’t give up.”
Djokovic broke his silence after being deported from the country on the eve of the tournament, lauding Nadal, Ash Barty and Medvedev.
“There has been some outstanding tennis played at this year’s @australianopen and the finals were exceptional,” Djokovic said on Instagram and Twitter.
“Congratulations to Ash Barty for an amazing performance in front of her home crowd and to @danimalcollins for an incredible tournament. Congratulations to Rafael Nadal for 21st GS. Amazing achievement.
“Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time. Enhorabuena Daniil Medvedev gave it his all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him.”
Federer told his 8.9 million followers on Instagram that Nadal was a champion worth celebrating after the Swiss legend’s joint record of 20 grand slams was broken by the Spaniard.
“To my friend and great rival Rafael Nadal. Heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21 grand slam singles titles,” Federer said.
“A few months ago we were joking about both being on crutches. Amazing. Never underestimate a champion.
“Your incredible work ethic, dedication and fighting spirit are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world.
“I am proud to share this era with you and honoured to play a role in pushing you to achieve more, as you have done for me for the past 18 years.”
Federer flew to 20 slams when Djokovic was 12 and Nadal on 17.
But Nadal now has 21 and is one of just four men in the open era to win at least two of every major, whereas Federer ‘only’ has one French Open, the 2009 title.
With a cloud over Djokovic’s future due to his vaccination stance and Federer battling knee problems at 40, Nadal’s edge is significant.
The king of the clay would go a step closer to landing a knockout blow with a 14th Roland Garros crown this year.
Congratulations to @RafaelNadal for 21st GS. Amazing achievement. Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time. Enhorabuena ðŸ‘ðŸ†ðŸ‘ @Medwed33 gave it his all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him. pic.twitter.com/DsOvK8idNc
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 30, 2022
Nadal hailed his comeback from two sets down as the greatest of what is now the greatest career in tennis history.
The 35-year-old feared he wouldn’t make it back to Melbourne Park, but after walking away with his second Australian Open – and first since 2009 – a re-energised Nadal now wants to defend his crown in 2023.
“When you turn an ankle, when you break the wrist, you have a calendar (set time frame to return),” Nadal said.
“That’s much easier to accept. I went through this process a couple of times in my career. You know you going to have four months off and you have a calendar to follow.
“My position is completely different. We were trying things and for a long period of time without any success, with zero success.
“Knowing that you have an injury that you can’t recover from that, of course the doubts are there. Mentally is much tougher.”
NADAL’S 21ST GRAND SLAM ONE FOR THE AGES
It was never going to happen any other way.
Rafael Nadal was always going to take the longest, hardest and toughest road to history which is exactly what happened in one of the more remarkable Australian Open finals.
The 35-year-old Spanish genius now sits alone at the top of the grand slam winner’s list after claiming his 21st title in extraordinary fashion, coming back from the dead to defeat Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 (5) 6-4 6-4 7-5.
“First of all, I know it is a tough moment. Daniil, you are an amazing champion,” Nadal said afterwards.
“I have been in this position a couple of times in this tournament, having chances to have the trophy with me, but I don’t have any doubt that you have this trophy a couple of times in your career because you are amazing.
“It has been one of the most emotional matches of my tennis career and to share the court with you is just an honour.
“This will stay in my heart for many years to come.”
To add even more drama Nadal blew his first opportunity to close out the victory, faltering when serving for the match at 5-4 in a game which included a double-fault and time violation warning.
He then regrouped immediately to break back before willing himself to the finish line, winning his second Australian Open crown after an incredible five hours and 24 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.
Nadal looked stunned after match point, not even believing he’d just pulled off the greatest win of his brilliant career to move him ahead of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the history books.
Given two months ago he didn’t even think he’d make it to Melbourne Park, the performance was mind-boggling in so many ways.
Nadal was so worried about a foot injury last year he thought his career might be over and then when he was struck down with Covid in December, he wasn’t sure if he would be travelling to Australia.
He even admitted to being shocked when he’d managed to make his 29th grand slam final after defeating Italian No.7 seed Matteo Berrettini in the semi-finals.
“A month-and-a-half ago I didn’t know if I would be back on the Tour playing tennis again and today I am here in front of all of you having this trophy with me and you having this trophy with me and you don’t know how much I fought to be here,” Nadal said.
“I can’t thank enough all of the support I received since I arrived here. You are just amazing. Thank you for the love and the support.
“Without a doubt probably one of the most emotional ones in my tennis career and having the huge support that I received during the three weeks, it just going to stay in my heart for the rest of my life.”
After the opening two hours last night, things didn’t look good for Nadal with Medvedev seemingly at the peak of his powers.
When the No.2 seed had a break-point opportunity midway through the third set the story line was all about the Russian villain ruining the fairytale story.
Medvedev seemed to be thriving in his role as the bad boy, clinically pulling apart Nadal’s game which was plagued with unforced errors.
But Nadal isn’t regarded as the toughest and fittest player in the game over the past decade for no reason and he once again found something from within.
And as he lifted his level, Medvedev, 25, started to show signs of physical and mental fatigue.
After being on his best behaviour in the opening two sets, the Russian started complaining to the chair umpire and gesturing at the crowd who were clearly pro-Nadal.
He even had a rant about the ball kids during the third set.
While he was losing it, Nadal was grinding his way back into the match taking the third-set in 64 minutes.
The fourth set followed a similar path with the highlight coming in an epic fifth game where Nadal finally broke Medvedev with his seventh break-point opportunity.
By this time Medvedev had twice called for the trainer to massage his cramping legs with a number of bottles of pickle juice also consumed.
The defining moment of the fifth set came in the fifth game with Medvedev again under pressure on his serve.
While he managed to save one break point, he had no answer to possibly the best forehand down the line of the tournament on the second break point opportunity.
However, Nadal then had his own issues in the very next game, saving three break-points in a service game which took 13 minutes.
It was a case of deja vu for Medevev who had been on the receiving end of a five-set marathon loss to Nadal in his first grand slam final at the 2019 US Open.
This was the Russian’s fourth appearance in a major final and his second in Australia. He lost to Djokovic in straight sets last year.
Medvedev had been eyeing his own slice of history given he broke his grand slam duck at last year’s US Open and was attempting to become the first man in the Open era to win a second major immediately after his career first.
After the match, Medvedev was chatting to Nadal while the speeches were made.
“It is tough the talk after five hours 30 and losing,” Medvedev said. “But I want to congratulate Rafa because what he did today, I was amazed.
“I tried during the match just to play tennis, but after the match I ask him, are you tired? Because it was insane. I think the level was very high. You raised your level after two sets for the 21st grand slam.
“I thought he is going to get tired and maybe he did just a little, but still won the match. You are an amazing champion. I think we have a good rivalry still. It is not over yet, but congrats and it was unbelievable.”
FIFTH SET
NADAL WINS 2-6 6-7 7-4 7-6
A 12-shot rally to start gives Nadal the 15-0 start, with new balls, as Medvedev’s forehand finds the net.
A huge serve is returned long, and it’s 30-0 Nadal.
Then an ace sends the crowd into hysterics... and gives Nadal three Championship points.
AND HE’S DONE IT. And almighty, incredibly final done in five hours and 24 minutes.
Nadal seals grand slam title No.21, and falls to his knees as he roars to the crowd.
*NADAL 6 - 5 MEDVEDEV
Are you kidding me? Another twist. Medvedev turns up the heat, and Nadal fires right back with an absurd chasedown scoop at the net followed by a Medvedev error which sets up another break point.
Medvedev’s monster serve saves two break points.
An errant backhand offers up a third. Is this Nadal’s moment? It is! Medvedev hammers a forehand long.
Nadal gets a second chance at serving for the title - and GOAT status.
NADAL 5 - 5 MEDVEDEV*
Serving for history, Nadal falters - double-faulting to level the scores at 30-30.
It gives an opportunity to Medvedev, who creams a backhand that Nadal can barely recover, opening the door for Medvedev to cream a smash into the crowd.
A backhand error from Nadal gives the break back. Enormous resilience from Medvedev who refuses to wilt. He is an animal.
“(Nadal is) still a human being, he felt the moment. And the moment is still going,” says Jim Courier.
*NADAL 5 - 4 MEDVEDEV
Serving, down a break, to force Nadal to put the match back on his racquet Medvedev does as is required.
He holds on, withstanding a ridiculous barrage of Nadal forehands - and a double fault - to push through another hold.
A perfect drop shot is politely ignored by Nadal, who concedes the game and turns his attention to his own serve.
Four points away from grand slam No.21. Here comes Nadal.
NADAL 5 - 3 MEDVEDEV*
The crowd has more energy than the players, launching into a “let’s go Rafa, let’s go” chant at 30-15 after three rallies that would look more at home in the first hour rather than the sixth - which is what we’ve ticked into during this Nadal service game.
Nadal is employing the drop shot to great effect, forcing Medvedev to drag his weary legs up and down the court.
But the No.2 seed is like the Terminator - he keeps on coming. But every man has their limit and he’s almost reached his.
A tired cross-court backhand goes wide and suddenly Medvedev is serving to stay alive.
*NADAL 4 - 3 MEDVEDEV
A quick hold to love for Medvedev as Nadal all but concedes that game to conserve his energy for the next service game.
Nail the next two, and the title is his - but Medvedev will not be complaining about a straightforward game like that.
He seals it with ace number 22.
NADAL 4 - 2 MEDVEDEV*
The biggest game of the match? Nadal takes a break into the sixth game of the fifth and deciding set.
The opening point is a killer - Nadal curling forehands millimetres over the net and sending Medvedev side to side in a 20+ shot rally before firing a forehand winner and then an unreturnable serve.
Medvedev goes for a mid-game racquet change and it works - to a point. He pulls back to force deuce six times, and have three break points,
“I’m in awe of these guys, they’ve both found a second, third, fourth, or fifth wind,” says Jim Courier.
A wildly miscued Nadal forehand, and then backhand, opens the door slightly for Medvedev with a second and third break point, but Medvedev can’t return the wide serve on either occasion.
And then Nadal holds. Extraordinary. Such clutch serves, this deep into the match. Now he is two games away from grand slam title No.21.
*NADAL 3 - 2 MEDVEDEV
Both players stay perfect in the fifth set, with Nadal holding to love to square things up in the fifth set.
Medvedev is starting to get looser with his errors. But really, both players are struggling to have a huge impact on the return game right now.
Until.... Nadal.
He gets a look at two break points on Medvedev’s serve in the fifth game - and seals the break with a classic, ripping forehand down the line.
That’s a backbreaker for Medvedev who is struggling physically, emotionally and, now, on the scoreboard.
Nadal has the 3-2 lead and a break in the fifth set.
*NADAL 1 - 2 MEDVEDEV
Nadal looks like he was built for this moment. He ices a smooth hold, has the bullet forehand really humming right now and will run himself into the ground for this title
Meanwhile, umpire Blom is under attack on multiple fronts. Nadal drills a backhand return into the umpire chair.
He offers an apology and a smile, but there’s no damage done - other than by Medvedev, who races through a quick hold.
The fresh clothes and break after the fourth set has re-energised this pair. Although as I say that, Medvedev is getting a rub down for cramp in his quads.
That’s the second time he’s had treatment on the quads this match - which I believe is the limit. So Medvedev will have to go it alone on that front for the rest of this match.
*NADAL 0 - 1 MEDVEDEV
If the first game is anything to go by, this is going to be a mighty fifth set.
Medvedev escapes with an all-important hold, saving a break point, thanks to some monstrous serves - but the crowd remains an issue.
They are cheering his every error as loudly as every Nadal winner, and it is getting under the world No.2’s skin.
His words throughout the match to umpire John Blom have resonated, and the crowd gets the sternest of warnings.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I told you not to do that,” Blom lectured.
“If you call out between first and second serves, I’ll have security remove you.”
-------
Both players have left the court ahead of the fifth set. There will be toilet breaks, outfit changes and just generally a moment to have a think about the pain they’re going to go through in this fifth set.
It’s been an agonising and incredible night already, but no one is leaving their seats in Rod Laver Arena and we aren’t going to leave you either.
What happens now? Nadal has been playing lights-out through the past two sets, while Medvedev has let himself be distracted by the crowd and, unlike in previous contests, it hasn’t resulted in a turnaround in on-court fortunes.
Nadal has been here before, losing four Australian Open finals - as well as winning in 2009.
Medvedev was defeated by a ruthless Novak Djokovic last year, but he’s a different beast now.
It’s all to play for, and as the clock passes midnight and the match rattles towards the four-and-a-half hour mark... we’re back and ready to go again.
FOURTH SET - NADAL WINS WE ARE GOING TO FIVE!
This is absurd tennis. Nadal was $8 to win this tournament two weeks ago, where did this come from. He was on crutches six months ago. He has no right and every right to be doing this. It’s crazy!
NADAL 5 - 4 MEDVEDEV*
Not going to lie I missed that last game getting a coffee. Let’s be honest we’re going to five yeah? Longest men’s final in history was 2012, five hours 53 minutes between Nadal and Djokovic. Looks to be in danger right now
NADAL* 5 - 3 MEDVEDEV
It’s a tale of survival for the Spaniard in this game - break points against him. They’re both out of gas. They have very little left. But Nadal holds. We just ticked into the fourth hour of this marathon and we’re only in the fourth set.
NADAL 4 - 3 MEDVEDEV*
MEDVEDEV IS SNAPPING
“Can you take control please,” he is saying to the chair umpire regarding the crowd. “Small please is not enough. Can you step up? Say it every time. If you have to say it 25 times, say it every time. Please is not enough.”
Jim Courier’s take on this, the pressure is getting to him - BIG TIME
“He is trying to manipulate umpire, trying to bait John into getting more involved with the crowd. And it has worked for him in the past. It helped him in his previous match get a coaching violation against Stefanos Tsitsipas. But he is frustrated and is venting, and he is tired and there is a lot at stake”
NADAL 3 - 2 MEDVEDEV*
Lleyton Hewitt “I don’t know what Medvedev is thinking” with regards to some of his shot choices. Playing the drop shot to no effect and it’s setting Rafa up for the sublime down the line winner. a 142km/h winner no less.
More break opportunities for Rafa present themselves, six go begging but you know what they say, seventh time’s a charm and all that.
The Bull Breaks and this is going in a direction I never anticipated.
NADAL* 2 - 2 MEDVEDEV
“What a turn this is taking, this is amazing,” says Courier. He’s not wrong. I can hardly keep up with this. Rafa’s forehand is a freaking weapon of mass destruction right now, but somehow, SOMEHOW, Medvedev is finding something. He’s just broken back and we’re square.
NADAL 2 - 1 MEDVEDEV*
Nadal with the break and the Spaniard is suddenly back in control and looking the better competitor right now. Medvedev in all sorts and looks to have called the medic on for this change of ends. Heavy massage to Medvedev’s left upper thigh while we await the resumption of play. And just before he sat down there was yet another sarcastic engagement with the crowd.
*NADAL 1 - 1 MEDVEDEV
Both players struggling when pulled wide yet that is the tactic of the hour it seems. Ad after 3 hours and 18 minutes the toll is hitting them both. Not sure pickle juice is gonna be the answer here.
So why the pickle juice you ask? Here’s Jim Courier’s take.
“The pickle juice is used to prevent cramping for the players. It adds sodium to your system and hopefully stabilises it. These guys are losing a lot through perspiration.
“When Medvedev was a young player in 2017 cramped up once, in Davis Cup against Novak and the other time at Roland-Garros. But I don’t think he has cramped up, that I have seen, since then. He is trying like heck not to tonight.”
We go to deuce before Medvedev gets the break opportunity but it’s saved as the Russian drills it into the net on the back hand.
Rafa is playing the drop shot sublimely this evening. Really making his rival work for this. And after a 10 minute game, Nadal holds.
NADAL 0 - 1 MEDVEDEV*
Daniil Medvedev has been spotted guzzling pickle juice in a sure-fire sign that the big Russian is very much feeling the effects of this epic encounter.
It’s been three hours and 15 minutes of brutal tennis and no one is immune to that. Not Nadal, and not Medvedev.
Medvedev holds serve to start the fourth set, but it will be fascinating to see how he - and Nadal - approach this set.
Will they continue with the enormous 20-shot rallies? Or try to shorten things up, knowing that they have at least another hour still to play tonight - and possibly two, or more.
THIRD SET: NADAL FORCES A FOURTH SET
Vintage Rafa to close out the third set.
Nadal hits three winners to bring up triple set point - and he serves out the game to love with another powerful forehand winner.
This match has ticked past the three hour mark and is destined to race towards a fourth hour, as we move into the fourth set.
That’s a mighty comeback from Nadal who faced so many crucial moments and managed to come up trumps.
He trails on the scoreboard by two sets to one, but he has the crowd and the momentum with him as we move closer to the championship rounds.
Be wary, though. Medvedev feeds off the crowd hate, and has used it all tournament to dig himself out of holes.
How deep is the one he finds himself in right now?
*NADAL 5 - 4 MEDVEDEV
Oh dear. Medvedev is starting to get chippy with the crowd and a bit too casual with the finish line in sight - he makes a shocking, lazy blunder at the net to bring up two break points.
The crowd cheers, and Medvedev does not like it. He sarcastically claps and the cheers for Nadal return as boos for Medvedev.
He comes up with a piece of gymnastic brilliance to deny Nadal on the first break point - but Nadal drills a big winner to snatch the break.
He will serve for the set at 5-4. He was in similar positions in the second set, and Medvedev found a way to dig in and get the break back.
NADAL 4 - 4 MEDVEDEV*
Speaking of gutsy holds... Daniil Medvedev made himself work a little hard than he had to on that one.
He goes up 4-3, but not before missing a regulation point at the net after drawing a desperate save from Nadal which popped up delightfully for Medvedev.
Facing an open court, he buries it into the net. Fatigue playing its part tonight?
“He's missed the unmissable,” says Lleyton Hewitt.
He holds, and celebrates by complaining to the umpire about the distribution of balls among the ball kids. Not sure how else to explain that one.
Medvedev is two games away from being an Australian Open champion.
But not so fast... because Nadal comes up with his most comfortable save in quite a while to keep everything on serve in the third.
NADAL 3 - 3 MEDVEDEV*
A flashpoint in this set - and the match.
Medvedev’s truly extraordinary defensive prowess is on show as he fights back from the dead at one point to lob Nadal and bring up a triple break point.
Nadal saves all three, forcing errors on the Medvedev forehand to get out of the 0-40 jam.
It is closed with a 21-shot, energy-sapping rally as Nadal takes a gutsy, gutsy save.
The match is very close to hitting the three-hour mark.
*NADAL 2 - 3 MEDVEDEV
A slight delay to the fourth game, as the steady stream of fans - returning from getting beverages, given this match is approaching its fourth hour - struggle to find their seats before players are ready.
They plonk down in the aisles, and Nadal gets to work - racing to 40-0 before dinking a half-volley into the net after another brilliant dipping Medvedev return. Nadal holds with a big serve to finish.
Medvedev then holds to love, with the chair umpire almost losing his head as Nadal’s return goes on a journey of its own - and finishes rifling past the umpire’s chin.
Something to ponder: Nadal hasn’t fought back from two-sets down in 15 years. It doesn’t bode well for his chances tonight.
A stat I think you can trust me on this time... Rafael Nadal hasn't won a best-of-five-set match from two sets down since 2007, when he beat Mikhail Youzhny in the fourth round at Wimbledon.
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) January 30, 2022
*NADAL 1 - 2 MEDVEDEV
Each service game feels like it is going for 10 minutes at the moment.
Nadal - post costume change - is once again drenched in sweat. The tempo of the match seems to have slowed a touch after the gruelling opening game of this set.
And both players are making mind-boggling errors - Nadal miscues a forehand with a wide-open court on game point to bring up deuce.
Mercifully, Nadal finds a rocket when he needs it and gets out of jail with a big first serve to keep his serve intact.
And, just to make me look foolish, Medvedev flies through his next service game to love - no 10-minute game this time.
*NADAL 0 - 1 MEDVEDEV
We come to the third set, with Rafael Nadal needing something of a miracle to scrap his way to grand slam title No.21.
It’s Medvedev to serve first, and Nadal has a half-look at two break points - before Medvedev produces an absurd backhand passing shot winner from the back of the court.
That is unimaginably good from Medvedev, with Nadal completely in control of the point and in perfect position at the net - the backhand simply scorches in front of Nadal’s racquet.
On the fourth deuce, Nadal is offered a break point... but inexplicably forces a backhand long. The unforced errors have been so uncharacteristic for Nadal tonight. But that’s the pressure Medvedev puts you under.
And he escapes with a very tough hold, care of two aces, to end a nine-minute game that went into a sixth deuce.
The war of attrition goes on.
SECOND SET: MEDVEDEV LEADS 6-2 7-6 (7-5)
HOW THE TIEBREAK UNFOLDED
Nadal revs the crowd up by taking the first point, on his racquet. And they go wild when Medvedev comes to the net and shanks a volley.
Nadal has the early mini-break and is up 2-1 after a vicious Medvedev backhand winner.
Medvedev digs deep and steals a point back off Nadal’s serve, before a classy low volley beats Medvedev to the net.
Through six points, at the change of ends, we are on serve at 3-3.
A brilliant point from Nadal, who again charges the net and turns Medvedev around - his backhand sailing wide, for another mini-break to the Spaniard.
A calm serve takes Nadal to 5-3 before a brilliant Medvedev return rips it back from Nadal’s grasp.
That looked for all money to be an unreturnable serve. But Medvedev is a different beast when it comes to his return.
A thrilling rally brings it back to 5-5 as Nadal misses by millimetres - and a Medvedev drive volley puts a chance away to bring up set point for the 2nd seed.
And it’s done! That’s the set, with Medvedev hitting a brilliant curling winner to beat Nadal at the net.
A wonderful comeback from Medvedev who twice fell a break behind, both during the set and then in the tiebreak, but stands tall to take a two-sets-to-love lead. He has one hand on the Norman Brookes trophy.
NADAL 6 - 6 MEDVEDEV
Some really ugly errors from Nadal to start this game, hitting two backhands halfway up the net.
He has 31 unforced errors to Medvedev’s 15.
It leads to a quick hold for Medvedev, who levels the second set up at 5-5 and halts the run of breaks between these two.
Back on serve for Nadal, and he’s mixing some vintage play with extraordinarily basic errors which you just do not see from the all-time great.
He’s hanging in there, however. And there’s a big show of emotion as a shanked Medvedev forehand sails well wide.
This is gutsy from Nadal. Because Medvedev is throwing everything at him tonight - and he does so again with a smart hold to force a second-set tiebreak.
NADAL 5 - 4 MEDVEDEV*
After being broken again, Medvedev tries to hit straight back as he fights to say in the second set.
Nadal comes up with an inexplicable overhead smash into the net on the opening point of the ninth game, and Medvedev makes him pay to bring up two break points.
He saves both by making Medvedev run, and coming into the net to hit two kill volleys. A third break point is set up as Medvedev catches the line - by 3mm. Nadal requests a challenge... but that’s not going to help when all the linecalls are made by computer.
Serving at break point, play is halted as a streaker makes their way onto the court. Security is quick to act, and the troublemaker is hauled from the court.
Nadal settles his nerves after the brief delay, saving another break point, before some costly errors gives the break back to Medvedev.
That’s three breaks in a row!
Some bozo just jumped out of the stands onto the court (probably about three meters), got dragged out.#AusOpenpic.twitter.com/u4xzjTaIEf
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 30, 2022
*NADAL 5 - 3 MEDVEDEV
Medvedev strikes - and he has the break back.
He drags Nadal into two more brutal rallies, and feasts as Nadal the Spaniard comes up with crucial errors to give up double break point.
A quiet shake of the fist from Medvedev to his players box as a desperate Nadal forehand goes long seals the break back.
Can Nadal respond? He’s wrapping himself in ice towels and is dusting off the sweaty hands with sawdust to try and better grip his racquet.
And what an impact it has had! Nadal finds his favoured forehand a little bit more in the eighth game of the second set and pounds Medvedev into submission to get another break point.
And he ices his second break of the set with a delicate drop shot, disguising his powerful forehand, and Medvedev slips at the back of the court in trying to scramble to the net.
Nadal to serve for the set.
*NADAL 4 - 2 MEDVEDEV
The unforced errors are starting to mount for Medvedev and Nadal is warming to the contest.
He hits his first ace of the night as he has a quick hold to love to lead 4-1 in the second set.
Medvedev has spent a lot of time on court this tournament, including his gruelling five-set quarter-final win over Felix Auger-Aliassime. Will that start to take its toll on this warm Melbourne evening?
It’s definitely going to be a factor for both players if this match goes the distance.
Sensing a chance to take a free shot at Medvedev’s serve, Nadal goes large with some huge forehands - but they don’t come off and it’s a quick hold to love.
Nadal keeps the break in his pocket, however.
*NADAL 3 - 1 MEDVEDEV
Nothing is coming easy for Nadal right now, but he clings on to hold serve and keep his nose in front this set.
It’s hard work though.
Nadal’s service games are taking over five minutes on average - while Medvedev is taking a little over two minutes to race through his.
“It’s such a big difference. It’s so telling on your body as well when you’re trying to keep fighting so hard just to hold serve,” says Lleyton Hewitt.
Nadal with gets a sniff on Medvedev’s serve for the first time, bringing up two break points on the back of an extraordinary 40-shot rally.
He turned up the heat, hitting some unbelievable, powerful backhands to send Medvedev charging around the court.
And he gets the break! Medvedev saves one with an ace, then sends a backhand a little too deep.
There’s the scoreboard pressure he was chasing.
*NADAL 1 - 1 MEDVEDEV
Nadal needs to desperately create some scoreboard pressure here, and he gets off to a good start with a service hold to kick off the second set.
Worryingly, he comes up with another double fault. It’s not costly this time, coming at 40-15, and he recovers to hold.
But it seems as though he’s struggling to counter Medvedev’s incredible return ability. He’s second only to Novak Djokovic on that front.... and maybe after the past fortnight he’s put himself right next to the Serbian great.
Meanwhile the crowd is well and truly in Nadal’s corner - except for pockets of Russian fans... and even the odd Roger fan, it seems.
And she’s very happy as Medvedev cruises through another service hold.
This Fedfan with a Russian flag. 😆 pic.twitter.com/Z9KLr2dW8B
— Hello, sunshine 🌞 (@VolleyMePlease) January 30, 2022
FIRST SET: MEDVEDEV leads 6-2
Medvedev is seriously rolling here - breaking Nadal to love as the Spaniard hits two double faults, before maintaining his perfect record on serve to ice the first set.
There are concerns that Nadal’s heavy sweating is affecting his grip on the serve, and he’s gone to the chair umpire for a secret remedy: sawdust.
“We think he asked the chair umpire for some sawdust, which would be something he could (use to dry his grip),” says Jim Courier.
“If you’re not comfortable (with your grip), the second serve can sometimes be (difficult) holding on to your grip.”
This set really ran away from Nadal rapidly, and the 20-time major winner needs to call on all his cunning to stop this being an ugly scene.
*NADAL 2-4 MEDVEDEV
Another 0-30 start on Nadal’s serve, care of two wonderful winners to the world No.2 -
The second is an audacious looping forehand as Nadal is drawn to the net.
But then Nadal fires another backhand long - this is shaping up as a concern early on in this match - to give Medvedev triple break point.
And the Russian needs just one, drawing first blood in this match by snagging the early break.
Ominous signs from Medvedev, who is doing a mighty job of making Nadal work - sweat pooling at his feet as he waits to serve - and is starting to breaking him down.
Again, Medvedev holds relatively comfortably. He drops just two points in consolidating the break, and does it in quick time too.
*NADAL 2-2 MEDVEDEV
Early days, but this looks like it’s going to be a war of attrition between two of the tour’s most physical players.
Medvedev is really putting pressure on the Nadal serve, jumping out to 0-30 in the third game of the set following a gruelling rally.
Nadal has to produce two stupendous points to get back to parity - with stunning reflex shots, one from the baseline and the second a volley.
“How did he win this point? It could’ve gone anywhere... but great reflexes to be able to somehow flick that back past Medvedev,” says Lleyton Hewitt on Nine.
Medvedev gets a look at two break points, care of a costly Nadal backhand error - but both are saved, and he jags a huge hold.
Meanwhile, Nadal is absolutely drenched in sweat. And we are only three games into what could be a monster five-setter. It’s warm out there.
In response, it’s another relatively straightforward hold for Medvedev. Though he’s made to work for it a bit more this time, he seals it with an ace.
NADAL 1-1 MEDVEDEV
Not the most comfortable opening service game you might want and Rafa take all the way to deuce. besides the backhand of his Russian opponent, the main thing Rafa needs to avoid tonight is long rallies, he will be gassed. Needs to keep this much shorter and sharper. A hold but he won’t be happy with how long that took.
A little simpler for Medvedev on serve, pressue building. Nadal taking his time and not being rushed. A lot of mind games early on.
GROTH PREVIEW: VILLAIN VS LEGEND IN BATTLE FOR HISTORY
7:30pm HISTORY ON THE LINE
Players are taking to the court. Nadal looking for his first title here since 2009....this is his sixth crack. Medvedev - runner-up to Novak last year and the reigning US Open champion.
7pm GOOD EVENING
Here we are, men’s final night. The last chapter in the 2022 Australian Open and we’re in for the long haul I feel. Rafa Nadal and Daniil Medvedev battle it out and history is on the line for both players.
Nadal, looking to become the first male player to win 21 slams and Medvedev the first since Agassi to win a second slam immediately after his first.
A lot on the line and it’s tough to call.
My head says it’s Medvedev, heart says Rafa.
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