TOPSHOT - Spain's Rafael Nadal poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup trophy following his victory in the Australian Open tennis tournament, during a press conference at Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, on the Spanish Balearic Island of Mallorca, on February 2, 2022. - Rafael Nadal stands alone on 21 Grand Slam titles, breaking a tie with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the race to be crowned the greatest male tennis player of all time. (Photo by JAIME REINA / AFP) (Photo by JAIME REINA/AFP via Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal sends bold message after Australian Open 2022 triumph in Melbourne
New Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal has sent out a warning to other members of the ‘Big 3’ after winning his 21st Grand Slam title. The Spaniard pulled off an incredible comeback from two sets down to defeat Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the final.
The gruelling match went on for 5 hours and 24 minutes, but it was Nadal who set a new record of Majors in tennis history. Nadal returned to Spain to visit his academy after his monumental victory.
“I have no idea what number of Grand Slams I will have,” Nadal said in Mallorca.
“Not long ago I would have signed for just being able to play tennis again. I want to be the one with the most majors out of the three of us, I would love that, but I’m not obsessed, absolutely not. Whatever comes is welcome and I don’t think 21 is enough to be honest. But you never know what will happen in the future.”
The 13-time Roland Garros winner still hasn’t been pain-free after his long term injury in 2021. “It still hurts when I play,” Nadal said. “But I’m playing at a higher level now than I was more than four weeks ago and this has given me a huge boost of confidence to move forward.” (h/t News 18)
Will Novak Djokovic return stronger?
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic was barred from playing in Australia due to his vaccination status. He will look to put the controversy behind him and start his season this month. Djokovic, who is on 20 Grand Slam titles, won 3 of the 4 Slams last year. His streak, however, was ended by Daniil Medvedev at the US Open.
Djokovic is the clear favourite to overtake Nadal considering his age. The Serbian turns 35 in May, but looks physically at his best. With the Dubai Open in February, Djokovic will aim for a swift return in preparation for the 2022 season ahead.
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