Rafael Nadal claimed his first Australian Open title in 2009 over Roger Federer. The 22-year-old Spaniard conquered his first Major title outside clay and grass, extending his legacy and moving closer to a Career Grand Slam.

Rafa lost the following four Australian Open finals between 2012 and 2019, missing a chance to add the second Melbourne trophy to his tally. It finally happened in 2022 after an epic story! Rafa recalled his Australian Open run from almost three years ago.

The legend called the title clash one of the most emotional moments of his career, reviving the feelings and adrenaline that went through him during an incredible battle. Nadal played well in the opening four rounds to book a place in the quarter-final.

He survived a massive battle against Denis Shapovalov, prevailing in five sets after over four hours. Rafa lost a couple of kilograms and endured stomach issues en route to a notable victory. The Spaniard recovered within a couple of days and ousted Matteo Berrettini in four sets.

Thus, Rafa booked a spot in his sixth and last Australian Open final. Daniil Medvedev had a massive chance to deliver Nadal’s fifth consecutive Australian Open final loss. The Russian played well and led 6-2, 7-6, 3-2, 40-0 after two hours and 45 minutes!

Never stopped believing, Rafa bounced back and produced an incredible comeback, beating Daniil 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in five hours and 24 minutes! Thus, the legend became the first player with 21 Major titles, leaving Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic behind.

Nadal also joined Djokovic on the exclusive list of players with two trophies at each of the four Majors. At 35 years and seven months, the Spaniard became the third-oldest Australian Open champion after Roger Federer and Ken Rosewall.

Rafa and Daniil provided one of the most grueling Major finals, with two rivals throwing everything at each other. Medvedev claimed seven points more and had a chance to seal the deal with a break in that crucial sixth game of the third set.

The veteran survived and launched his comeback, unleashing his never-ending fighting spirit. He forced a decider and prevailed with a late break to write history books. The encounter presented 44 break points, 22 for each player.

Nadal defended 16 and delivered seven breaks, including the pivotal one in the final set’s closing stages. The Russian landed 23 aces and played a bit better behind the first serve. Rafa produced more reliable numbers behind the second serve, although they stayed below 50%.

Daniil hit more service winners and built a massive advantage in the shortest exchanges up to four strokes. Nadal responded in the mid-range ones, while nothing separated them in the most extended rallies. Medvedev hit more winners and fewer unforced errors.

However, he missed his chances and experienced the most brutal career loss. The younger player made a reliable start. He served at 82% in the first set and dropped six points in his games, keeping the pressure on the other side.

The legend struggled to find his first serve. He dropped half of the points in his games and suffered two breaks for a challenging start. Rafa saved two break points in the third game, but his shots were not there, lacking speed and depth.

Medvedev clinched a break at love in the fifth game and held in the next one for a 4-2 lead. Nadal missed a volley in the seventh game, getting broken for the second straight time. Daniil served for the opener at 5-2 and fired a service winner for 6-2 in 42 minutes.

Rafa raised his level in the second set, battling for 84 minutes! Daniil bounced back from 3-5, saving a set point and clinching a tie break to generate a massive advantage. Nadal secured his first break in the fourth game, moving 3-1 in front.

Medvedev pulled the break back in game seven, reducing the gap but suffering another break in the next one to fall 5-3 behind. The legend landed a drop shot winner in that eighth game and served for the set.

However, he squandered a set point and allowed Daniil to convert the fifth break opportunity, pulling the break back and extending the set. The set went into a tie break, and the more experienced player led 5-4. Too close but too far, some would say!

The Russian rattled off three points. He painted a backhand down the line winner at 6-5 and moved a set away from his second consecutive Major trophy. Nadal missed a break chance in the extended opening game of the third set.

The Russian provided two holds at love and had a massive chance to terminate the Spaniard’s resistance in the sixth game! Nadal refused to surrender. He defended three break points and held after extended exchanges for a massive boost of confidence!

Rafa fired a backhand down the line winner in the ninth game for a break. He served for the set at 5-4 and painted a forehand winner, reducing the overall gap and extending his chances. Two rivals embraced another marathon in the fourth set.

They traded breaks in games three and four, and Nadal converted the seventh break chance at 2-2 to move in front. Rafa played against two break points in the eighth game, saving them and opening a 5-3 advantage. Medvedev faced a set point on serve in game nine.

The Russian denied it and extended the set. Did a missed chance affect Nadal’s confidence? Not at all! The Spaniard produced a hold at love in the tenth game for 6-4, forcing a decider after four hours and 12 minutes.

Medvedev landed a forehand winner in the first game of the final set and saved a break point. Nadal made another push on the return at 2-2, landing a forehand down the line winner for a break. The sixth game delivered another marathon.

Rafa played against three break points, denying them with service winners and holding for a 4-2 advantage. Nadal held in the eighth game and moved 5-3 in front, placing one hand on the trophy. However, the second had to wait!

Daniil held in the ninth game and extended the match. He bounced back from 0-30 on the return in the next one and rattled off four points. Rafa missed a backhand on a break point, bringing his rival to 5-5 and experiencing a massive blow.

The ultimate tennis fighter kept his composure after over five hours. Nadal created three break points in the 11th game and welcomed Medvedev’s mistake on the last, providing a break and opening a 6-5 advantage.

The legend earned a chance to serve for the title for the second time. This time, he made no errors! Rafa held at love with a backhand volley winner, sealing the deal in style and celebrating his first Australian Open title in 13 years.

“The 2022 Australian Open final was one of the most emotional moments of my tennis career. It’s almost impossible to replicate those feelings, the nerves and adrenaline. Tennis is my passion, and it always will be,” Rafael Nadal said.