[Just In] Australian Open: Rafael Nadal Becomes First Man Ever To Claim 21 Grand Slam Titles By Defeating Daniil Medvedev

By Edna Wande Last updated Jan 30, 2022

Tennis star, Rafael Nadal has defeated Daniil Medvedev in the final of this year’s Australian Open to claim a record 21st grand slam title.

The 35-year-old Spaniard came back from two sets down to defeat the 20-year-old world No.2 2-6 7-6 6-4 6-4 7-5 in five hours and 24 minutes, to become the first man ever to win 21 Grand Slam titles.

Another chapter is written 🏆@RafaelNadal defeats Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 7-5 to win his second #AusOpen title in an epic lasting five hours and 24 minutes.
⁰
🎥: @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/OlMvhlGe6r

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2022

The world number six achieved the feat on Sunday afternoon at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

In the absence of reigning champion, Novak Djokovic due to Australia’s hardline stance on vaccinations, this was seen as a potential opportunity for the competitors to lay claim.

Medvedev started very strong, winning the first set 6-2. The second set was a lot more difficult as Nadal started aggressively and was up 5-3 before Damil came back to win 7-6. Nadal continued to be aggressive and won the next 2 sets 6-4.

Even though they were extremely competitive, the momentum was clearly swinging in the direction of the joint all-time leader in grand slam wins.

The final set was one for the books as the competitive action continued with the set being tied 5-5 before Nadal took the set and the grand slam with a 7-5 victory.

This victory gave Rafael Nadal just the second Australian Open title in his career but most importantly, he becomes the man with the most number of Grand Slam titles in history, notching his 21st title to surpass both Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer at 20.

Nadal dashed 25-year-old Medvedev’s hope of becoming the first man in the open era to earn his second major crown following his first.

The Sunday duel was the 5th time the pair will be meeting — extending Nadal record over Medvedev to 4-1.