Posted on 01/30/2022 6:56:28 AM PST by SeekAndFind
Rafael Nadal broke a three-way tie with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic by claiming his 21st Grand Slam title Sunday, coming back to beat Daniil Medvedev, 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5, in the 2022 Australian Open men's singles final.
Nadal rallied from two sets down -- just the third comeback from 0-2 at a major for Nadal in his career -- to win the marathon five-setter.
Nadal, 35, along with Federer and Djokovic make up the generation-defining Big Three that has dominated the professional circuit for well over a decade now. With Nadal's 2022 Australian Open championship, the second of his storied career, he breaks the Grand Slam record that he, Djokovic and Federer held in a tie at 20 titles each. Djokovic, 34, lost his bid to compete in this year's Australian Open as an unvaccinated player after he was denied by government officials.
In 2019, Federer had match points against Djokovic at the Wimbledon final to reach Grand Slam No. 21 but fell short. In 2021, Djokovic lost to Medvedev at the US Open final in straight sets, also falling short of reaching 21.
(Excerpt) Read more at cbssports.com ...
No Woke sports for me.
And what would that asterisk signify? Nadal had nothing to do with the Djokovic’ vax decision. Be grateful, if you watched the match you had the privilege of watching the real GOAT and maybe the greatest effort of all time. Rafa, ten years older than his opponent down two sets, coming back winning the next two, then closing the fifth at 7-5.? Daniel Medvedev has, maybe, the best most consistent serve in the business and is lightning fast, probably would have beaten the Joke.
Congratulations to Nadal! He is not to blame for Djokovic’s absence and he defeated the players in front of him.
Same congrats to the 1980 summer olympic gold medalists in track and field..... those legends.
It means nothing when you disqualify and eject the better player.
Nobody will every believe this guy was the BEST !
Watched the last two sets; exciting game! I do think Medvedev (was #2 going in) learned some things today, especially going to net more with his height. We’ll see.
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No. He's only guilty of participating in a charade.
He did beat the number 2 seed to win the title. Rafa was seeded 6th. Still, title somewhat tainted. Fantastic comeback for Nadal. Amazing match. Classic.
Someone missed learning about sports in school, apparently.
No one cares about participation trophies.
This is a Participation Trophy for The Australian Closed.
Fill your diaper all you want about it - it doesn't change a thing.
Arthur Ashe class personified and John McEnroe US OPEN one to remember
Dey was da bestestes.
coulda woulda shoulda.
If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
Nice Participation Trophy what's-his-name got for beating his sister in the Closed.
How pathetic are some who can’t appreciate and give credit to a once in a lifetime athlete like Nadal. If anyone really watched the match today who knows anything about tennis and can’t be in awe, they know nothing about tennis.
Do you have any idea how many times Novak Djokovic was booed at various tournaments throughout his career? Rafa, NONE. In fact, do you know anything about Joker other than he fought the vax? Federer, Djokovic and Nadal were all tied at twenty majors, so do you think the only way Nadal got there was because he never beat Novak?
The cowards should have all walked.Nadal has tainted himself
No Woke sports for me.
Me neither. Tennis players and their fans are self centered woke lefties IMO.
There are a few exceptions, like 10%.
I was referring to their Vax mandate.
I was referring to the sport and 90% of its fans.
So some think Djokovic would have beaten Medvedev in the AO this year? They are 6 Djokovic to 4 Medvedev career head to head.
Medvedev beat Djokovic in the 2021 US Open, crushing him in three sets, ending Joker’s golden slam quest. (RAFA DID NOT PLAY))
Medvedev beat Djokovic in 2020 NITTO final, 2019 ATP Masters 1000 CINN. 2019 ATP masters 1000, Monte Carlo.
I decided not to watch tennis now. Every year a new story goes by the wayside. Last one was Nascar. I also decided never to visit The Hall of Fame for MLB. Too woke for me.
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