MELBOURNE/STARNBERG, January 30, 2022
Rafael Nadal captured his second Australian Open title by winning Sunday’s singles final on Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 against World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev of Russia.
The 35-year-old Spaniard withstood 23 aces and broke Medvedev’s serve seven times to secure victory in five hours and 24 minutes.
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.
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🎥: @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/OlMvhlGe6r— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2022
Nadal became the fourth man in history to earn two or more titles at all four Grand Slam tournaments and clinched his 21st Grand Slam trophy overall, claiming sole ownership of the record for most Grand Slam men’s titles, ahead of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Nadal: “It’s just amazing!”
“I don’t know what to say, guys,” Nadal told the fans during his on-court speech. “For me, it’s just amazing. If I’m honest, a month-and-a-half ago I didn’t know if I would be able to be back on the Tour and playing tennis again and today I am here in front of all of your with the trophy next to me.
“You really don’t know how much I fought to be here. I can’t thank everyone enough for all of the support I received since I arrived here in Australia, it’s been amazing. Thank you so much for all of the support.”
The lefty from Mallorca pocketed $2,875,000 (AUD) in prize money as well as 2,000 ATP Ranking points and is guaranteed to remain at his pre-Australian Open ranking of World No. 5 when the new ATP rankings are published on Monday.
