Uncharted territory – Nadal clutches up, creates history to win historic 21st Grand Slam
Written by Will Faulkner
Rafael Nadal has claimed a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title, defeating Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 at this year’s 2022 Australian Open.
In what was arguably the greatest Grand Slam final in the Open era (1968 onwards), Nadal astonishingly managed to claw his way back from two sets and three break points down in the third to beat the World #2 Russian at Rod Laver Arena.
The 35-year-old Spaniard now stands alone from long-time rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer on total major tournaments won in the Men’s Singles (20 each).
An enthralling contest that lasted 5 hours and 24 minutes, Medvedev took stern control early over a seemingly lost Nadal across the first and second set.
In humid Melbourne conditions, Nadal was sweating so much in the opening sets that he could no longer keep balls in his pocket when serving; fearful that his clothes drenched in perspiration would dampen the playing balls and disadvantage him.
The muggy environment seemed to dampen his efforts around the court also, with little control over rallies early doors.
Conditions were difficult to accustom to early on - Photo credit: William West
After conceding the first two sets, Nadal had won just 59% of points on his first serve, and was clearly aiding the Russian’s style of play as a result.
While his serving never truly troubled Medvedev across the five sets, the intensity of ‘Rafa’ lifted alongside the crowd; helping him climb back from the depths of despair in the third set to claim it 6-4.
Rolling into the fourth set, cracks were starting to show in the Medvedev camp, as he loudly projected his frustrations regarding crowd noise towards chair umpire John Blom.
Rod Laver Arena sensed the shift in momentum, and rode the Rafa wave all the way to the end of the fourth set - that Nadal again won 6-4.
The length of rallies played out between the finalists in sets four and five were abnormally long, and clearly took a physical toll on each player.
Despite only coming back from injury less than two months ago, Nadal was the more composed player under duress, irrespective of his clear fatigue.
Medvedev asked for a trainer several times at the changing of ends, and twice skulled pickle juice in an attempt to fight off any lingering cramps or muscle pain.
Despite multiple attempts to refresh himself, Medvedev couldn't finish it off in the last three sets - Photo credit: Herald Sun
However, his attempts to refresh himself were unsuccessful as Nadal eventually claimed the final set 7-5; withstanding his serve being broken and returning the scores to a five-game all, fifth set deadlock.
The serving of each player was fascinating to watch, with significant statistical variations upon close inspection.
Specifically, Medvedev’s first and second serve speeds were nothing short of astounding.
On average, the Russian’s second serve was 46km/h slower than his first serve mean of 191km/h.
Unsurprisingly, he went on to win just 41% of points on his second serve; well below the normal average.
A second area of the game where Medvedev failed to capitalise was on Nadal’s inability to close out points.
The now two-time Australian Open champion hit 16 more unforced errors than his opponent, as Daniil’s failure to exploit this became more and more apparent as the game wore on.
It look Rafa a while to warm up, but he managed to steer a straight sets loss into his 21st Grand Slam - Photo credit: Mark Metcalfe
While renowned for his gritty, tough style, the 25-year-old Russian will have questions asked of him and his mental toughness as he failed to close out a two-set lead on the big stage.
With a crowd against him all night and lapses in concentration at crucial times, Medvedev still has some maturing to do before taking out his first Australian Open title; one he is heavily tipped to take out some day.
Despite winning less points overall than his opponent, Nadal was able to clutch up when it mattered, and took a hold on most key moments that Daniil could not in sets three, four and five.
The Australian public was treated to one of, if not the greatest Grand Slam final in the game’s history.
The finish to the tournament will undoubtedly bring even more attention to next year’s replica, as tennis' changing of the guard occurs ever so slowly.
But until then, Rafael Nadal will reign as champion of the Grand Slam down under in tennis’ most controversial, most memorable tournament to date.