Rafael Nadal broke into heavy sweat as he played for a milestone title in the Australian Open men’s singles final against US Open champion Daniil Medvedev at Melbourne Park. 

The weather conditions, along with the mounting pressure of becoming the player with the most Grand Slam men’s singles titles, were possibly behind the excessive sweating. Cameras focused repeatedly on fat droplets as Nadal played against an energetic Medvedev, his shirt soaking wet. 

Internet users grabbed hold of the opportunity to share memes and comment on the Spanish player sweating profusely. It was only game three of the first set. 

Also Read: Australian Open Final: Rafael Nadal is sweating against Daniil Medvedev, here is why?

Apart from the Melbourne weather and the high pressure, the 35-year-old’s sweat and apparent exhaustion could also have been a result of his struggle to match Medvedev’s long serves — making him run to cover extra areas.

Rafa was also spotted having some of his fingertips taped up pre-match, with the lengthy tournament against the 25-year-old opponent getting to him.

Also Read: Aus Open: Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev head-to-head; who has the edge?

“It is (routine). He always gets his hands and his fingers taped to prevent blisters,” Australian tennis coach Jelena Dokic said on Channel Nine.

“We have seen it in the past as well. He gets blisters and I think he sweats quite a bit as well and gets very physical in his matches. So it affects him,” she added.