The world stood stunned as Rafael Nadal made history at the Australian Open 2022. Nadal became the first male player to win 21 Grand Slams in the open era.

Additionally, he also became the only male player alongside Novak Djokovic to win each major at least twice. Naturally, it was not just the tennis fans but the players, both former and active, who were in awe of his feat.

Former World No. 9 Fabio Fognini, too, was left amazed after watching Rafael Nadal conquer incredible odds. Here is what he had to say about the Spaniard becoming a 21-time Grand Slam champion.

Fabio Fognini calls Rafael Nadal an incredible fighter

Speaking to Italian outlet Gazetta Dello Sport, Fognini expressed his feelings of awe over Rafael Nadal. In fact, Fognini is the only Italian player to have ever beaten Rafa at a Grand Slam.

“You can’t just beat him,” Fognini expressed about Rafa Nadal. Then, he talked further about the Spaniard, calling him “an incredible fighter”.

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Talking about Nadal winning 21 Grand Slams, Fognini stated that “these are feats that only the greatest champions can accomplish”. Moreover, he also shared how he sought physical advice from Rafael Nadal in Montreal.

“Having his opinion was important,” Fognini shared. He then described how he feels about Nadal’s athletic prowess. Fognini said that it comes quite easily to “a champion like him (Nadal) because mentally he is from another planet”.

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Referring to Nadal’s history of injuries and his recent foot surgery, Fognini said that one can’t help but admire Rafa’s result “after what he has been through”.

In fact, Fognini also believes that Rafael Nadal could add another Grand Slam trophy to his mantle! “If Rafa wants to, he will also win Paris and score 22.” the Italian expressed.

Fognini describes what it takes to conquer Rafa Nadal

Rafael Nadal lost the first two sets of his Australian Open 2022 final against Daniil Medvedev. The result looked like a foregone conclusion; after all, Nadal hadn’t won a match from two sets down in 15 whole years.

Nevertheless, the Spaniard stood his ground to win the next three sets and be crowned the 2022 Australian Open champ. Talking about the match, Fognini expressed how incredibly difficult it is to defeat Rafa because “he doesn’t give up“.

According to the Italian, one has to “knock him down” in order to win, and not just beat the Spaniard. “He consumes you, physically and mentally,” Fabio said. Moreover, he also mentioned how the Big Three are in a league of their own. “Only Djokovic or Federer managed to stop his competitive fury,” Fabio stated.

He then talked about his own US Open victory over Nadal and was asked about how he did it. “I earned it because I believed in it. I stayed there believing in my tennis,” he shared.

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