History was made at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday as Rafael Nadal went past Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic by clinching the 21st Grand Slam title after defeating Daniil Medvedev at the 2022 Australian Open final. It was heart-break for Medvedev, as he couldn’t apply pressure at crucial moments to steer past the Spaniard.
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The entire sporting community went bonkers and sent their congratulatory messages for Nadal on scripting history in men’s tennis. One of the prominent people to have reacted was the Spaniard’s good friend and long-time rival Roger Federer.
Federer, who is currently in rehab, after a third knee surgery late last year, expressed his happiness over Nadal winning his 2nd Australian Open crown. Five years ago, the duo met at the same stage in a final where Nadal was up by a break in the fifth set and went on to lose the match.
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INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 15: Roger Federer of Switzerland shakes hands at the net after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain in their fourth round match during day ten of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Roger Federer sends appreciation message for Rafael Nadal after his Australian Open victory
The Swiss Maestro wrote a gracious message for his dear rival and shared it on his Instagram stories.
“To my friend and great rival @RafaelNadal. Heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21 grand slam singles titles. A few months ago we were joking about both being on crutches. Amazing. Never Underestimate a great champion. Your incredible work ethic, dedication, and fighting spirit are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world.”
Roger Federer gracious as Rafael Nadal passes him in the Grand Slam count for the first time in their careers. #AusOpen
Federer went on to explain how they pushed each other to become better players on-court and hoped that Nadal will go on to have more achievements under his belt.
“I am proud to share this era with you and honored to play a role in pushing you to achieve more. As you have done for me for the past 18 years. I am sure you have more achievements ahead but for now enjoy this one!”
In a match filled with twists and turns, Nadal managed to find a way to win past Daniil Medvedev. The Russian, who dominated Nadal in the first two sets, started to lose momentum towards the tail end of the third set and couldn’t find his rhythm to stop Rafa from winning the 21st slam.