Rafael Nadal has described his epic, five-set victory in the Australian Open men's final as probably the "biggest comeback" of his outstanding career.
The Spaniard appeared to be in a hopeless situation when he trailed Russia's Daniil Medvedev two sets to love in the final on Rod Laver Arena.
Remarkably, the 35-year-old forced his way back into the match to eventually triumph, 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in 5 hours and 24 minutes.
Nadal did not secure the championship until after 1am AEDT, with the victory giving him a men's record 21st major singles title.
It was his second Australian Open tournament win, 13 years after his first.
"If we put everything together — the scenario, the momentum, what it means — without a doubt, it's probably been the biggest comeback of my tennis career," Nadal said at his post-match media conference.
He said the key to his win was maintaining self-belief.
"I just wanted to keep believing until the end," he said.
Nadal had revealed in his presentation speech on Rod Laver Arena that he had concerns prior to the tournament that it could be his last Australian Open campaign.
His build-up had not run smoothly, as the former world number one was still managing the foot injury that saw him end his 2021 season prematurely last August.
He also tested positive to COVID-19 in December.
Nadal said the challenges he faced to even compete in Melbourne added to the significance of his victory.
"The way that I won this trophy tonight has been just unforgettable," he said.
"It was one of the most emotional matches of my tennis career, without a doubt. It means a lot to me."
'I don't care much'
Nadal now sits alone on top of the men's all-time major singles winners list.
His Melbourne Park triumph saw him edge one major title ahead of his great rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Djokovic was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open on the eve of the tournament after he was deported from Australia.
Federer did not play in Melbourne as he is continuing his rehabilitation from knee surgery.
Both Djokovic and Federer took to social media to congratulate Nadal on winning his 21st major.
Debate will continue over who has claim to being the greatest men's player of all time, but it is a discussion Nadal said he wanted to avoid.
"I feel honoured. I feel lucky to achieve one more very special thing in my tennis career," he said.
"I don't care much if I am the one or not the one, or the best of the history, or not the best of the history. Honestly, today I don't care much.
World number two Medvedev — who lost to Djokovic in last year's Australian Open final — said he had "huge respect" for Nadal after his performance.
The reigning US Open champion said he was not too disappointed about the result, as he felt Nadal was simply better in the moments that mattered.
"He was unreal. He was really strong," Medvedev said.
"Like the way he played at four hours, I was even surprised. But, of course, we know how Rafa can play."
