After an incredible day at the office on Sunday, Rafael Nadal had more relaxed « duties » a day later. The Australian Open champion took the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup to Government House in Melbourne, enjoying some time in nature and still celebrating the 21st Major crown.
On Sunday, the Spaniard played the second most extended Major final on Rod Laver Arena, ten years after that marathon one against Novak Djokovic on the same court. The 35-year-old battled past Daniil Medvedev 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 7-5 in five hours and 24 minutes for the record-breaking 21st Major title.
Nadal came from the verge of defeat and overpowered a ten-years younger opponent to lift the second Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
Rafael Nadal claimed the second Australian Open title on Sunday.
Playing only two matches in the previous season after Roland Garros, Nadal came to Melbourne with question marks over his physical shape.
Still, the Spaniard claimed all ten encounters and two titles for a perfect start of the new year and a massive boost ahead of the upcoming events. Rafa became the first player in the Open era who came from two sets to love down in the Australian Open final, despite standing on the verge of defeat at 2-6, 6-7, 2-3, 0-40.
Nadal saved those three break points in the third set’s sixth game and started his fantastic comeback, taking sets three and four to force a decider and pushing himself to endure another challenging set and stay in touch.
The Spaniard moved 5-3 up in the final set and served for the title in game ten, only to suffer a break from 30-0 up. Keeping his focus, Rafa broke again in game 11 and held at love a few minutes later to start a massive celebration and become the first player with 21 Major titles.
Nadal is the second player with two titles at all four Majors after Novak Djokovic, claiming at least one Major trophy in 15 different seasons since 2005 to extend his legacy and return home as a happy camper. At 35 years and six months, Rafa became the third-oldest Major winner after Roger Federer and Ken Rosewall, finally lifting the second crown in Melbourne after losing four straight finals Down Under.
