Nadal wins record 21st Grand Slam after epic Australian Open comeback

Nadal had the opportunity to overtake ‘Big Three’ rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer on the list of major winners with only a second Melbourne triumph and first since 2009 in Sunday’s showpiece, but he looked to have blown that chance after falling two sets down to the 2021 US Open champion.

However, the Spaniard simply would not be denied as he defied his advancing years to come roaring back for an unlikely 2-6 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-4 7-5 victory in a marathon final that will live long in the memory after going past midnight in more than five unforgettable hours on Rod Laver Arena.

Medvedev had three break points at 2-2 in the first set, with an errant backhand from Nadal putting him on the back foot as he trailed 2-3.

The confident Medvedev then broke again for 5-2 and eased into a one-set lead.

Nadal bounced back by racing ahead 4-1 in set two but Medvedev broke back before being broken himself again and having to save set point after failing to take four break points while trailing 3-5.

Play was briefly suspended due to an intruder jumping from their seat onto court, with the situation quickly dealt with and the protestor – who carried a banner reading “Abolish refugee detention”- apprehended by security and the police.

Medvedev claimed his fifth break opportunity and took Nadal to deuce on the Spaniard’s serve before a thrilling, topsy-turvy second set went all the way to a tiebreak, which the Russian won 7-5 with a glorious whipped winner down the line.

Nadal had a mountain to climb and failed to punish Medvedev in the opening game of set three, with the latter holding after saving break point.

Nadal later saved four break points to hold and take it to 3-3, later breaking again and serving out the set to increase hopes of an unlikely comeback.

The fiery Medvedev was notably unhappy with the noise of the heavily pro-Nadal crowd after every point, with Nadal then crucially avoiding a break early in the fourth set.