Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev
congratulated his fierce rival Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard created history
at Rod Laver Arena, beating the Russian 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in a
remarkable 5 hours 24 minutes final at the Australian Open.

Also Read: Australian Open Final: Rafael Nadal beats Daniil Medvedev, wins 21st Grand Slam

Nadal is now the man with the most Grand
Slam titles. Nadal had 20 Grand Slam titles before the Australian Open started
and he was at par with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Now after this
terrific comeback victory on Sunday, Nadal surpassed Federer and Djokovic. Nadal’s
victory also meant Medvedev’s chance of becoming the first man in the Opera Era
to win two consecutive Grand Slam titles went in vain.

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“I want to congratulate Rafa because what you did what
was amazing … After the match I asked him – “Are you tired?” quipped a beaten
Medvedev.

“The level was very high … you raised your level
after two sets … I thought you were going to get tired and
you did just a little but you still won the match. Congrats, it was unbelievable, and congrats to your team, of
course,” Medvedev said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Also Read: Who is Rafael Nadal?

“I want to thank two guys in my box … they were here
all week … thanks for sharing this tough moment with me. Usually my wife is
in the box, yeah, I think the TV is probably broken right now”, the Russian
tennis star lamented for failing to win the Australian Open in his second
straight attempt as his wife Daria Medvedeva watched the game from the VIP box.

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“To my sisters, my parents, I want to thank you for
your support, if you are still watching, and I’m going to try to be better next
time,” Medvedev paid gratitude to his family.

The 25-year-old US Open champion also hailed Tennis
Australia CEO Craig Tiley for hosting the year’s first Grand Slam tournament successfully
amid the fear of coronavirus infection.

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“Craig, you’re an amazing tournament director and I
hope you stay for at least 15 years,” said Medvedev.