Rafael Nadal praised for classy behaviour during Daniil Medvedev Australian Open final win
Djokovic ‘cleared out of the way’ for Nadal says Webster
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Rafael Nadal has been praised for his conduct on the court during his Australian Open final win over Daniil Medvedev on Sunday. The Spaniard went into the match hoping to win a record 21st Grand Slam. And he did exactly that, overtaking Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the process.
Nadal struggled to cope with Medvedev during the early stages of the contest.
But the Spaniard produced a sensational comeback to record a 21st Grand Slam triumph, seeing him move ahead of Federer and Djokovic in the history books.
After a match that lasted over five hours, Nadal ended up winning 2-6 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-4 7-5.
It was a sensational performance from the 35-year-old and BBC Sport’s Jonathan Jurejko was impressed by the way the veteran conducted himself on the court.
During the contest, the commentator said: “Even in the heat of the battle, Nadal doesn’t lose his manners.
“‘Can I have white towels, please? Thank you,’ he says to a ball kid.
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“In the previous changeover it was the same drill when he asked for more water.”
Medvedev’s temper boiled over during the match, with the Russian calling the Australian Open fans ‘idiots’ on the court.
But, speaking after his defeat, the world No 2 insisted he’d behave better in the future.
“It’s tough to talk after five hours and 30 minutes,” he said.
“I want to congratulate Rafa, what you did was amazing.
“I tried to play but I was really tired. The level was really high.
“You raised the level after two sets, I thought you might get tired. You are an amazing champion. You guys have a great rivalry and it is not over yet.
“I want to thank my two guys in my box who were here all week. I hope we have more victories to come.
“I thank my wife but I think maybe the TV is broken now. I want to thank my team, I will forget someone but thanks for being with me.
“My parents, if you are still watching. I thank you for your support and I will try to be better next time.”
Nadal sent a classy message to Medvedev after reigning supreme, backing his opponent to come back stronger.
“Good evening, well good morning everybody,” he said.
“I know it’s a tough moment – Daniil you are amazing I have been in this position.
“I don’t have any doubt that you will have this trophy a couple of times in your career because you are amazing.
“It has been one of the most emotional matches of my tennis career. All the best to you in the future.”
Barbara Schett, meanwhile, labelled Nadal’s triumph as ’unbelievable’.
She said: “It is unbelievable. I have never watched a match like that. It is so emotional, everybody is so emotional around.
“He’s really done it, Rafael Nadal has won his 21st Grand Slam title.
“And in a way, two sets to love down, the crowd is just phenomenal here.
“Standing ovation for Rafael Nadal. It’s just unreal, it’s indescribable. I am so lucky to be here, to just witness this moment.
“Daniil Medvedev tried until the very last point, I have to say.
“He must be so disappointed, mentally it was so tough for him to step out for him today when the whole crowd, the whole stadium, was pretty much against him.
“But once again he was up two sets to love, I would have never thought that Rafael Nadal was going to be able to come back.”
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