Rafael Nadal says his Australian Open win over Daniil Medvedev was one of the most emotional of his career
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Updated 30/01/2022 at 16:26 GMT
Rafael Nadal says his marathon five-set Australian Open final comeback win over Daniil Medvedev was one of the most emotional of his career. The Spaniard fought back from two sets down to overcome the Russian, and in so doing won a record 21st Grand Slam to take him ahead of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Watch historic moment Nadal wins Australian Open and claims 21st Grand Slam title
Rafael Nadal declared his extraordinary Australian Open final win over Daniil Medvedev as "one of the most emotional of my career".
The Spaniard trailed by two sets against but came back from the dead to win in five sets, with the match spanning a remarkable 5 hours and 24 minutes to become the second-longest Grand Slam final in history.
And all that after Nadal's six-month absence from the game with a chronic foot condition.
Speaking with the trophy on Rod Laver Arena, the 35-year-old said: "Without a doubt it has been one of the most emotional moments of my tennis career.
"Having the support I've had over the last three weeks is going to stay in my heart for the rest of my life.
"It's just amazing.
"Six weeks ago I didn't even know if I would be able to be back on the [ATP] Tour playing tennis again.
"Having this trophy in front me of here - you really don't know how much I fought to be here.
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"I can't thank you enough for all the support I received."
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