Rafael Nadal: I’m not finished yet

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal won a record 21st grand-slam men’s singles title from two sets down to Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open on Sunday, hailing it as the “most unexpected” success of his career after having doubts over his future in the sport less than two months ago.

The 35-year-old from Spain produced an incredible comeback in one of the great finals at a major tournament. In an enthralling match that eventually came to an end after five hours and 24 minutes at 1.11am local time, he battled back from the brink to overcome Medvedev, the world No 2 from Russia, 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.

Nadal moves one trophy ahead of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the race to finish with the most grand slams. It is an astounding turnaround for a player who privately told his family last month that he feared a chronic foot injury might end his career. “The most unexpected achievement, without a doubt, and the most surprising I think for everyone,” Nadal said. “For me personally, especially, because I know how I arrived here.

“It’s amazing to achieve another grand slam at this moment of my career. It just means a lot to me. Of course, I know it’s a special number, 21. This title has big significance. I never will say I deserve, because I think a lot of people fight and a lot of people deserve, but I really believe that I held a very positive spirit. For the last six months, I really fought a lot to try to be back on court.

“There have been very tough moments and conversations, because I didn’t know if I was going to have the chance to be back on the tour. I feel lucky to achieve one more very special thing in my tennis career. I don’t care much if I am the best in history. For me it’s about enjoying nights like this.”

The odds were stacked against Nadal after losing the second set. He had not successfully recovered from this position for almost 15 years, since he defeated Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny in the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2007, and there had never been a comeback like this in the Australian Open men’s singles final throughout the open era.

“If we put everything together, the scenario, the momentum, what it means, it is without a doubt the biggest comeback of my career,” Nadal said.

During the trophy ceremony, he told the 12,000 spectators inside Rod Laver Arena that he now had “the energy to keep on going” after previously fearing this might be his last Australian Open.

“Things can change quick,” Nadal said. “After this month of practising hard, playing very long matches, the foot was able to hold all this stress. I feel more confident that I am going to have the chance to keep going, keep fighting and keep enjoying this beautiful sport.”

Medvedev was so despondent afterwards that he questioned his own long-term future. The 25-year-old was particularly aggrieved with the behaviour of some spectators, who booed and made disruptive noises in between his first and second serves.

“I’m not sure after 30 years I’m going to want to play tennis,” Medvedev said. “The kid that was dreaming is not any more in me after today. It will be tougher to continue tennis when it’s like this.”