Tennis icon Rafael Nadal has admitted he would love to finish his legendary career with more Grand Slam championships than rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic - but conceded he will need more than 21 titles to do so.
Nadal fought from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final, winning 2-6 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-4 7-5 over five and a half hours at Melbourne Park.
The victory ensures the Spaniard now stands alone as he secured a men’s record 21st major title, moving clear of both Federer and Djokovic - who were both absent from the Australian Open due to differing reasons.
“I have no idea what number of Grand Slams I will have,” Nadal told reporters at his academy in Mallorca on Wednesday.
“I want to be the one with the most majors out of the three of us, I would love that, but I'm not obsessed, absolutely not. Whatever comes is welcome and I don't think 21 is enough to be honest. But you never know what will happen in the future.”
Djokovic stole the pre-tournament headlines as the Serb was sensationally deported from Australia after confusion over his visa and exemption status took hold.
It meant the world number one was unable to feature at the tournament and could not defend his crown as he sought a record 10th title Down Under.
Meanwhile, Federer is still recovering from a chronic knee injury that has plagued him for the last few years, and he is expected to remain out of action for a few more months at least. The Swiss superstar underwent a third knee surgery last year.
Nadal ended his 2021 season early due to injury back in August, spending five months on the sidelines following a niggling foot injury. The 35-year-old admitted it still hurts to play tennis, but he has reached a higher level of performance.
“This (the win) has given me a huge boost of confidence to move forward,” said Nadal. “I have been able to enjoy the highest level of sport again, something that was very difficult to imagine a few weeks ago.”
