Australian Open: Rafael Nadal's amazing return - 'Hard to explain'
After his success over Matteo Berrettini, Rafael Nadal is surprisingly in the final of the Australian Open given his previous history. The Spaniard himself can hardly believe that.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jan 28, 2022, 12:47 pm
The reaction spoke volumes. Rafael Nadal directed a relieved, but also somewhat mischievous smile in the direction of the box, which "suffered" together with the Spaniard for a little over three hours before the 20-time major winner was able to leave his semi-final duel with Matteo Berrettini as the winner. True to the motto: "I did it again". Yes, Rafael Nadal has been able to surprise everyone - including himself - with his performances Down Under so far.
It was not without reason that Rafael Nadal announced his arrival in Australia a few days ago with the words "don't tell anyone": Due to a COVID infection, the Spaniard's appearance at the first major event of the year seemed uncertain for a long time, especially since Nadal only was able to play the first matches in December after an injury break of several months.
Surprising achievements - also for Nadal
He would not have known when, no, even if he would ever be able to return, the Spaniard is repeating like a mantra these days. He had many doubts after the foot injury that had been with the 35-year-old for a long time had reached new dimensions - and could only be brought under control by surgery. Olympia, Wimbledon and also the US Open: Last year they all took place without the participation of the Spaniard.
The fact that he is now bringing such performances to the pitch on his return also leaves an impression on Nadal himself: "Everything I do surprises me. It is very difficult for me and everyone who has accompanied me in the last 6 months , to understand that I'm playing at this level," Nadal said after his semi-final win over Berrettini. "I'm happy to be able to play tennis again and feel alive to the competition, I've missed it. I'm having fun, I'm enjoying every moment."
Nadal in the final against Medvedev
And this joy, this relief can be seen in the Spaniard in each of his matches Down Under. For example, there was the improvised and legendary "jubilation insert" after the tie-break thriller in sentence one against Adrian Mannarino. Or the "stand-up man" five-sentence win over Denis Shapovalov in the quarterfinals, in which the Mallorquin was actually already "physically destroyed", as he himself explained afterwards.
On his last step to sensational success at the Australian Open, the final is against Daniil Medvedev, the powerful Russian, who has already made history with his semi-final win over Stefanos Tsistsipas : After Andy Murray, the Russian is only the second player who after his first Grand Slam triumph at the next major tournament could reach the final. However, no player has ever managed to win the title.
Medvedev wants to prevent the next 21
For the Russian, as he himself noted after his triumph, Melbourne is now about something similar to the final of the US Open. There the Russian was able to prevent Novak Djokovic's Grand Slam title number 21 with a strong performance. A number that Rafael Nadal is now aiming for at the Australian Open. One thing is certain: there is a lot at stake in this endgame.
The fact that one of the Spaniard's most fabulous comebacks could be enough to win the really big Grand Slam - namely the 21st title win for the Spaniard - is nice, but not the most important thing, as Nadal emphasizes: "Ultimately, and there To be honest, being able to play tennis is a lot more important to me than winning 21 (major titles) because it makes me happier doing what I love to do than another Grand Slam to win."
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