Main content

Making History - a thrilling 21st Grand Slam for Rafael Nadal

The Spaniard wins a record 21st Grand Slam men's title in the most stunning fashion, fighting back from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev in a classic Australian Open final.

Rafael Nadal has made sporting history at the Australian Open- becoming the first men's player ever to win 21 Grand Slam tennis titles. And he did it in stunning fashion, fighting back from two sets down to beat Russia's Daniil Medvedev in a classic Australian Open final. The sixth seed rallied to win in five sets 2-6 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-4 7-5. The 35-year-old Spaniard's future career had been in doubt. He pulled of Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics last summer, and just months ago he thought he may never be able to return to the tour because of a foot injury. Many ruled him out of the race to 21 grand slam titles as too old and too injured. But what a come back he's made.

In the absence of the deported Novak Djokovic and the injured Roger Federer in Melbourne, Nadal has moved one ahead of his great rivals in the race to finish with most major men's singles titles. The ´óÏó´«Ã½'s Tennis correspondent, Russell Fuller, and commentator Gigi Salmon, have followed his career for years - and were watching as he triumphed on a dramatic night in Melbourne. This is 5 Minutes On: Making History – a 21st grand slam for Rafael Nadal.

Image Credit: James D Morgan via Getty images

Release date:

Available now

5 minutes