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Yevgeny Kafelnikov says Rafael Nadal is officially the greatest tennis player of all time. Nadal created a stunning comeback in the Australian Open final to beat Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 (5) 6-4 6-4 7-5 and lift a record 21st Grand Slam title.
Before the final Kafelnikov said Medvedev would be the reason why Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer would all stay at 20 Grand Slams. Kafelnikov changed his mind after the Australian Open final. "RAFA NADAL is officially GOAT," Kafelnikov tweeted.
Kafelnikov tips Medvedev to reach the top spot
"When the dust is settled,you need to realize that Daniil Medvedev is future number one tennis player in the world! Period," Kafelnikov added. "It was a huge match, for sure some small points, small details that I could have done better if I wanted to win.
But that's tennis, that's life," Medvedev said. Medvedev described Nadal's performance in the Australian Open final as "unreal." "(It) was a huge match. Rafa played unreal, raised his level. I mean, two sets to love up, I was like, 'C'mon, just go for him, go for more'
"In (the) fifth set, I was like 'make him run' He was unreal. He was really strong, like the way he played, at four hours I was even surprised. But, of course, we know how Rafa can play. He didn't play for six months. He told me after the match that he didn't practice so much.
It was unreal." Medvedev lost but he wasn't disappointed with his game. "Talking about tennis, I have not much regrets," Medvedev said. "I'm going to try to continue my best. Yeah, I'm going to work even harder to try to be a champion of some of these great tournaments one day.
"But … I'm not really disappointed with the loss and with my tennis or with anything like this."