Record-breaking Rafa Nadal is undisputed king of the court
RAFAEL Nadal produced the most astonishing feat of his glittering career yesterday to win a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
The Spanish tennis king defeated Russia's Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-4 7-5 in Melbourne. Nadal, 35, fought back from two sets down to win ‑ just weeks after fearing his career might be over because of a chronic foot problem. He said: "It has been a very emotional night. Even now I am destroyed physically. I can't think much, I can't remember a lot of moments of the match.
"The support of the crowd has been just huge. I got very emotional during the whole match. Even if I was super tired, I couldn't celebrate with them as usual. But I feel it inside, all the support helped me a lot."
Nadal later revealed some of the sacrifices he has made to become the game's most-successful player.
He lifted the lid, too, on conversations with his family about the possibility he might have to "say goodbye" to tennis.
Nadal also opened up about how he wants to have children with wife Maria Perello, 33.
He said: "I would love to have children. Boys, girls. I'm a person who loves kids and I'm a family guy.
"But also I tell you that the reality is, the years keep passing. I would like to start to do all of this when my sporting life determines it.
"I think it's also above all about looking after the kids. I don't know if it [travelling throughout the year and having children] is ideal."
Nadal was forced to celebrate without his wife last night after she appeared to have missed the tournament finale because of Covid restrictions.
But his biggest rivals and fellow superstars Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic both congratulated him on social media.
Federer said: "To my friend and great rival, Rafael Nadal. Heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam titles."
Djokovic said: "Congratulations to Rafael Nadal for his 21st GS. Amazing achievement."
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