Rafael Nadal has hinted at a retirement U-turn following his incredible comeback to beat Daniil Medvedev in the final of the Australian Open.
The Spaniard claimed a record 21st Grand Slam singles title with his five-set win on Sunday, moving one clear of rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
He had trailed Medvedev by two sets in Melbourne before producing a stunning comeback to win 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 and claim his second Australian Open title.
In the process, Nadal also scooped over £2million in prize money to take his total career earnings from prize money to £95.5million.
Nadal hinted he may not be ready to retire from tennis just yet either, as he revealed after the match that he may have the energy to return for next year’s tournament.
Speaking after his win, the 35-year-old said: “I don’t want to forget the volunteers and everyone who makes this event possible. Thank you very much for supporting tennis and me.
“It has been tough times to organize tennis tournaments but the last two years you have done a great job. I wish you all the very best.
“I thought this might be my last Australian Open but this has given me enough energy to maybe keep going.
“I will keep trying my very best to come again next year. Thank you.”
Nadal first turned professional back in 2001 aged just 15 and has gone on to become one of the sport’s all-time greats.
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His win in Melbourne was his 21st Grand Slam win, and first since the 2020 French Open, and it also allowed him to become only the second player to complete a double career grand slam.
Nadal took advantage of Djokovic and Federer’s absences from the tournament to move ahead of them, with the latter forced to withdraw prior to the event due to injury.
As for Djokovic, he was deported from Australia before the tournament began after having his visa cancelled as part of a row with the country over his vaccination status and exemption.
