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Rafael Nadal Talks About His Best Comeback Ever

The now 21 time Grand Slam winner spoke yesterday about his incredible performance at the Australian Open Finals on Sunday night against the World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev. 

The Spaniard now stands atop the likes of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic who both came out to acknowledge and congratulate Rafa after he pulled off one of the best comebacks in Sports History.

“A few months ago we were joking about both being on crutches. Amazing, never underestimate a great champion.. Your incredible work ethic, fighting skill and dedication are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world. I am proud to share this era with you and honoured to play a role in pushing you to achieve more. As you have done for me for the past 18 years. I am sure you have more achievements ahead but for now, enjoy this one,” said Federer on his Instagram.

Meanwhile Djokovic said on twitter, “Congratulations to @RafaelNadal for 21st GS,” Djokovic said. “Amazing achievement. Always an impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time.”

“Enhorabuena @Medwed33 gave it his all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him.”

Nadal in his post match interview had this to say, “”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 had this trophy a couple of times in your career, because you’re amazing, so I want to congratulate you,” said the 35-year old. “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. I even don’t know what to say, guys. For me, it’s just amazing, being 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.”

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Rafael Nadal Slides Through Australian Open Kick-Off

The 20 time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal started his Australian Open campaign this morning as he faced off against Marcos Giron the young American.

Giron, who had a similar style to Maxime, a fellow USA player who Nadal faced at the Melbourne Summer Set finals to win his first Melbourne championship. As expected, Nadal breezed past Giron in this opener in straight sets.

This is the first time Rafa has played a best of 5 since last year’s French Open where he unfortunately lost in the semi finals to fellow 20 time grand slam winner Novak Djokovic as he struggled with his knee and ankle issues again. 

Rafa displayed his amazing collection of beautiful shots as he completely ruled the court at the Rod Laver Arena against the young American. 

He started off calmly with a 2 games to 1 lead in the first set and then pulled out a no-look running lob to get his 3rd game. Since that moment it was all Rafael Nadal as he destroyed Giron with incredibly powerful forehands and absolutely genius backhands. 

Giron did manage to get in a few shots in the second set which prompted even Rafael Nadal to applaud the efforts. However, the former World No.1 proved too much for the World No. 66.

Nadal won the match 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 in his purple shirts and green bandana as he moved on to face the winner of the Hanfmann vs Kokkinakis on Wednesday morning. 

Over in the women’s side, Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka were both in action as they teed off against their own respective opponents and won in straight sets quite comfortably.