‘Living On Forever’ – Australian Open 2022 Champions Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty’s Mighty Gesture for Tennis Hall of Fame

The Australian Open marks the first major tournament in the calendar year for both the ATP and the WTA circuits. This time, the winners of the men’s singles and the women’s singles titles, Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty created history at the tournament.

Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty’s kits to be immortalized

Now, the kits Nadal and Barty used will be on display forever at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. The two stars donated their gears to the ITHF for everyone to see.

CEO Todd Martin said, “These donations from Ash Barty and Rafa Nadal represent two of the most memorable victories in the history of our sport. Their titles at the Australian Open were emblematic of much of what makes tennis great, showcasing perseverance, national pride, and sportsmanship.”

Also read: Why Did Ashleigh Barty Retire So Early From Tennis?

Barty’s Fila kit alongside her red customized shoes and Nadal’s autographed gear that include his headband and wristband will be displayed in the ITHF Museum’s Grand Slam gallery.

Martin also expressed his gratitude on behalf of the organization for having received these gifts and said that this gesture will definitely help inspire future generations to take up the sport and excel in it.

Nadal and Barty amassed incredible victories in Melbourne

Rafael Nadal became the first person to win 21 Grand Slam titles, moving past his two great rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who have 20 each.  His victory marked one of the greatest comebacks in tennis history so far.

His opponent, world no. 2 Daniil Medvedev won the first two sets and was up a break in the third when the Spaniard decided to turn things around. In true Nadal fashion, he fought through each and every point and ended up with the trophy after a grueling five-and-a-half hour long match.

Ashleigh Barty, winning her third Grand Slam, also ended up with a historic win. In clinically good form, she became the first Australian woman since Chris O’Neil in 1978 to win the home tournament and did it without dropping a single set. This win and title is all the more significant no as it marks the last tournament Barty played before her premature retirement.

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