An emotional Rafael Nadal declared his extraordinary Australian Open final win over Daniil Medvedev as “one of the most emotional of my career”. The Spaniard star rallied back from two sets to win in five sets, with the match spanning a remarkable 5 hours and 24 minutes to become the second-longest Grand Slam final in history.

The 35-year-old Spaniard, who won his 21st Grand Slam title and now has one more major title than Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, his long-time rivals in the so-called Big Three.

With the 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 win that started Sunday night, was delayed in the 84-minute second set when a protester jumped onto the court, and then finished early Monday morning, Nadal also became just the fourth man in history to win all four of the sport’s major titles at least twice.

Australian Open men’s singles final: Highlights

“Good evening everyone … good evening or good morning, at least,” Rafael Nadal said after winning the title.

Nadal praised Medvedev for the part he played in the 5-hour, 24-minute final. His victory was even more remarkable considering Nadal flew to Australia with just two matches under his belt in the second half of 2021 because he was sidelined with a chronic foot injury that can be treated but not cured. He also overcame a bout of COVID-19.

“First of all I know it’s a tough moment, Daniil, you are an amazing champion, I’ve been in this position a couple of times in this tournament, having chances to have the trophy with me, but I don’t have any doubt that you have this trophy a couple of times in your career, because you’re amazing, so I want to congratulate you,” Nadal lauded Medvedev.

“It was one of the most emotional matches of my tennis career and to share a court with you is just an honour, so all the best in the future.

“[Addressing the crowd] I even don’t know what to say guys. For me, it’s just amazing. To be honest, one month and a half ago, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to be back on the tour playing tennis again. And today I’m here in front of all you with this trophy with me, and you don’t know how much I’ve fought to be here. I can’t thank you enough for all the support I’ve had since I arrived here, you are just amazing,” Nadal thanked the Australian crowd.

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