Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday congratulated tennis star Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard won the men’s record-breaking 21st Grand Slam. Under the lights on Rod Laver Arena, the legendary Spaniard looked down and out against Daniil Medvedev. However, the sixth seed demonstrated his trademark big-match mentality, overcoming the Russian 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in front of a raucous crowd in a Melbourne classic.
With his dramatic victory, Nadal has claimed sole ownership of the record for the most men’s singles Grand Slam titles, moving past Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic who are both on 20 major crowns.
“That is absolutely magnificent. Stunning to say the least. From 2 sets down to come back and win your 21st Grand Slam is incredible. Congratulations @RafaelNadal!” tweeted Sachin.
That is absolutely magnificent. Stunning to say the least.
From 2 sets down to come back and win your 21st Grand Slam is incredible.
Congratulations @RafaelNadal!#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/VHjjlb4GFN
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 30, 2022
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Former India batter VVS Laxman also praised Nadal for his ‘monumental effort’ and a historic comeback.
“It isn’t over until it’s over. From 2 sets down, to comeback and win in Grand style is a monumental effort. Congratulations #RafaelNadal on a record 21st Grand Slam and for winning the #AustralianOpen in great fashion,” tweeted Laxman.
It isn’t over until it’s over.
From 2 sets down, to comeback and win in Grand style is a monumental effort. Congratulations #RafaelNadal on a record 21st Grand Slam and for winning the #AustralianOpen in great fashion. pic.twitter.com/vz7yuV70Hl— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 30, 2022
Meanwhile, former India batter Virender Sehwag also wrote, “Rafael – Fire hai Fire. What an incredible comeback, what a champion #RafaelNadal.”
Rafael – Fire ????hai Fire .
What an incredible comeback, what a champion #RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/5aNFTRP1wc— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 30, 2022
In a high-quality and physical match that ebbed and flowed, a pumped-up Nadal showcased his fighting spirit to put water on a red-hot Medvedev performance. With his back firmly against the wall after the second set, Nadal’s champion mindset shone through as he began to hit through Medvedev with more success in a brutal, heavy-hitting performance to table the turns.
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