Rafael Nadal will cherish his second Australian Open triumph as he navigates the final period of his illustrious career.
The Spaniard escaped from the clutches of defeat in a sensational final at Melbourne Park.
He recovered from a two-set deficit to defeat Daniil Medvedev 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in a mammoth five hours and 24 minutes.
Following his latest triumph, the 35-year-old surpassed Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic became the first man to win 21 Grand Slam titles.
It was an unlikely victory for Nadal, who was playing just his second professional event in five months.
As his wonderful twilight phase continues, Nadal says he will cherish these moments more than ever at this stage of his playing days.
“I think you are able to enjoy more these moments because you know the chances are less," said Nadal.
“When you are 19, when I achieved the first, of course it's super special, but you know, if you are playing well, you're going to keep having chances to enjoy moments.
“Today you never know what can happen. Of course I am proud. The personal satisfaction is higher than years ago. I think I just stay more in the moment without thinking so far in front.”
He is so focused on enjoying his historic victory, Nadal hasn’t yet given any thought to competing on his beloved clay in the spring.
“I don't know what can happen on clay or not," said Nadal, who will look to regain the Roland Garros title from Djokovic and a record-extending 22nd major title.
“I have hopefully some events before clay. Just enjoying these moments, hope to share with the family this unforgettable moment, then I'm going to think what's next for me.”
Nadal was spotted in the grounds of Government House in Melbourne on Monday where he took snaps with the Australian Open trophy.
He came perilously close to losing his fifth consecutive Australian Open final, when he found himself two sets down and playing below his best level.
Nadal’s serve, which has vastly improved over the years, was short of its usual accuracy and his usually reliable backhand was misfiring.
However, after saving three break points at 0-40 to hold serve for 3-3 in the third set, the Spanish matador ramped up the aggression and began to shorten the rallies as he changed the game plan.
The serve and backhand began to hit its spots with more consistency and the competitive spirit within the athlete was burning brighter than ever.
After storming back to take sets three and four, Nadal served for the championship at 5-4, but was broken by Medvedev, who did not give up.
But Nadal came roaring back and broke his opponent’s serve once again for 6-5, before completing the remarkable comeback and etching his name into the history books once again.
