With Novak Djokovic pressured out by deportation and Roger Federer recovering from knee surgical procedure, the Spanish nice is now one main title away from his ‘Massive Three’ rivals after surviving the 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 thriller at Rod Laver Area.
Endlessly a fighter 🇪🇸#AusOpen • #AO2022 • @RafaelNadal https://t.co/FodVjk0fME
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That 2️⃣1️⃣ second#AusOpen • #AO2022 • @RafaelNadal https://t.co/mJvNqVMacG
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Legendary standing 💪#AusOpen • #AO2022 https://t.co/7uDDds3x7z
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Using a wave of raucous assist from the group, a classic Nadal pulled off considered one of his best performances to disclaim Medvedev once more, lower than three years after leaving the Russian heartbroken in 5 units on the 2019 U.S. Open closing.
An image says one million Vamos#AusOpen • #AO2022 • @RafaelNadal https://t.co/l7gcpWj5of
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In a match steeped in drama, Nadal was two factors from the title however was damaged as he served for the match at 5-4.
He held agency to interrupt Medvedev once more and served out the match to like, dashing in to ship a backhand volley as a shocking coup de grace.
The Grand Slam King 👑#AusOpen • #AO2022 https://t.co/MsrkpTXzee
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Dropping his racket, Nadal shook his head and grinned, then kicked a tennis ball away and pumped his fists in delight.
It was a triumph that defied time and logic, the 35-year-old finishing his first five-set win from a two-set deficit in 15 years — since overhauling Mikhail Youzhny within the fourth spherical of Wimbledon in 2007.
Having suffered 4 closing defeats in 2012, 2014, 2017 and 2019, Nadal can now savour a second Melbourne Park crown, 13 years after beating Federer within the 2009 decider.
* Bio replace *2️⃣1️⃣-time Slam champion#AusOpen • #AO2022 • @RafaelNadal https://t.co/fvDkYjFdbX
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The lengthy hair and pirate shorts of that decade have fallen by the way-side, however the class and combating spirit endure within the face of Nadal’s titanic battles to recuperate from accidents.
Having missed Wimbledon resulting from fatigue and the U.S. Open due to a power situation in his left foot, Nadal was on the point of quitting in late-2021 and felt blessed simply to show up at Melbourne Park this 12 months.
His capacity to play seven matches felt miraculous for the Spaniard, who joins Djokovic, Rod Laver and Roy Emerson as the one males to win every Grand Slam title twice.
Now greater than ever, world primary Djokovic could rue his failed bid to defend his title in Melbourne with out COVID-19 vaccination.
His deportation threw the event broad open, leaving a vacuum for Nadal to fill and strike a doubtlessly decisive blow within the Grand Slam race.