Google News Greg Rusedski: Rafael Nadal's incredible mental fortitude is astonishing
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 8545
Greg Rusedski was impressed by what he witnessed on Sunday as he described Rafael Nadal's comeback as the one for the history books. Nadal appeared to be done after losing the opening two sets of the Australian Open but he recovered to win a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title.
Daniil Medvedev had a two-set lead and three consecutive break points in the sixth game of the third set before Nadal stormed back to win 2-6 6-7 (6) 6-4 6-4 7-5. "Rafa's incredible mental fortitude is astonishing. He becomes the first male tennis player to win his 21st slam.
A comeback for the history books," Rusedski tweeted. Nadal admitted afterward it was one of the most emotional matches of his career. “It was one of the most emotional matches of my career,” Nadal said during the trophy ceremony.
“To share the court with Daniil was just an honour. It is amazing. To be honest, one and a half months ago I wasn’t sure if was able to be back on the Tour playing tennis again. But today I am here in front of all of you with this trophy in front of me.
You are just amazing, thank you so much”.
The crowd wanted Nadal to win
“Having the huge support I received over the past three weeks is going to stay in my heart for the rest of my life, so thank you very much,” Nadal added.
Medvedev comfortably won the first set after breaking Nadal twice. Nadal was twice up by a break in the second set and had a 5-3 lead in the tie-break but failed to capitalize as Medvedev took a two-set lead. Nadal broke Medvedev in the ninth game of the third set and served out for the set a game later.
Nadal blew an early fourth set break but broke Medvedev again in the fifth game and held on to his serve the rest of the set to force a decider. Nadal failed to serve out for the match in the 10th game of the fifth set but broke Medvedev again in the 11th game and served out for the match in the following game.