Spain's Rafael Nadal speaks at a press conference following his victory in the men's singles final match against Russia's Daniil Medvedev on day fourteen of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 31, 2022. - -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)
2022 Australian Open Champion Rafael Nadal speaks on future after record-winning Grand Slam victory
Rafael Nadal is once again an Australian Open Champion in 2022, ending a thirteen-year wait for another title Down Under. His victory in the final came after being 2 sets down to Daniil Medvedev, the World No. 2. The match went past the 5-hour mark with the Spaniard eventually winning his 21st Grand Slam title. With the win, he overtakes Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who have both won 20 Majors each.
Nadal, at 35, was returning from a foot surgery that kept him out of the game for 6 months. However, the miraculous road to the 21st title must have also taken a toll on the Spaniard. Nadal spoke to Agencia EFE, the day after his unbelievable victory discussing the road ahead. He said, : ” On a personal level it is something incredible, it is the most unexpected victory of my career and one of the most exciting. It is difficult to explain, what I experienced yesterday is incredible and to see that I am competitive as a player is something incredible.”
The World No. 5 will expect to make a swift return to the tour. ATP 500 events in Rotterdam and Dubai are expected this month. He discussed his 2022 calendar saying, : “If I dose myself more, I’m no longer a tennis player. The schedule depends on the results and physical condition, and from there we’ll make decisions…” said Nadal.
However, Nadal’s priority will undoubtedly be the Roland Garros in the summer. The 13-time Champion has been the most dominant player in the tournament’s history. He was beaten in 4-sets in the semi-finals of the 2021 edition by Novak Djokovic. The 2022 Roland Garros is scheduled to commence on 22nd May in Paris. The Spaniard will look to take a substantial time off before the tour, after his exploits in Melbourne.
Moreover, Djokovic will also be fired up after his controversial exit from the Australian Open. He will be looking to put the debacle in the past and begin his season in February. The World No. 1 has been on the top spot for a record 358 weeks now. However, the two arch-rivals have kept the ‘NextGen’ away for a long while, but it is certain that they will come back strong this season.
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