Rafael Nadal v Daniil Medvedev For The Australian Open Title, Who’s The Pick?

by Sean Randall | January 29th, 2022, 2:16 pm
  • 16 Comments

So once again Daniil Medvedev is facing a tennis great trying to make more history. Just over four months ago, in a performance for the ages he emphatically denied Novak Djokovic’s quest for a Calendar Slam and a record-smashing 21st Slam.

Now, Medvedev can play spoiler again. He meets Rafael Nadal. Nadal doesn’t have as much at stake as the Serb did, but again he does have a 21st Slam and a second Career Slam, something only Novak Djokovic has done in the Open Era in the men’s game.

And if Nadal wins, is he the undeniable GOAT? He would have to be, right? But that’s a different post for a different time.

Back on court, the semifinals the other night went as scripted. Nadal found Matteo Berrettini’s backhand, then withstood a late serving barrage to hang on and win in four sets. It was vintage Nadal early, then nervy Nadal late, but Berrettini showed late in the fourth that he just doesn’t have that resolve right now to beat one of these all-time greats on a big stage in a big moment.

Medvedev then toppled Tsitsipas for a second straight year in the semifinals. Medvedev looked scary good at times off the ground, especially off the backhand wing. And when he’s in full flight like he was in the fourth, it’s jaw-dropping. After Medvedev’s well-played, almost pre-determined umpire spat, Tsitsipas needed to rise up and match Medvedev’s emotions, I think. The Greek’s game is there, the belief maybe isn’t.

So here we are.

RAFAEL NADAL v DANIIL MEDVEDEV
Again, Nadal admitted the other night after beating Denis Shapovalov that basically 35 ain’t 25. And he’s right.

Even though he had two days off after that win over the Canadian and another day off after Berrettini, I have to think he’s a little weary, and surprised he’s still in the event. And remember her didn’t play at the end of 2021, so overall well short on match play.

But Nadal is a champion. One of the greatest of all time.

Medvedev, who is ten years younger, should be fresh, hungry and confident. Nadal has won three of four including a harrowing US Open final over two years ago. But the matches have been close and I think since that New York battle, Medvedev has become better while Rafa’s digressed.

Nadal’s problem here is Medvedev. The Russian is so tough off the ground and he moves and defends so well. Against Berrettini, Rafa had a huge edge going forehand to backhand. Now, that could almost be a liability unless Medvedev is way, way back in the court.

So for Nadal, he’ll have to serve big, return well, and bring Medvedev in and convert break chances opportunities. This is a totally different match than Berrettini or Shapovalov.

For Medvedev, he needs to play his game: big serving (esp that sneaky second serve) and keep pounding groundstrokes. He’s already won a Slam, so in some ways, even as the favorite, the pressure is off. It’s Nadal who is chasing history.

But Daniil’s the road block. The wall. He’s built like one. And he’s done it once, and he’s going to do it again. Because of Nadal’s greatness, I think Rafa gets a set, but that’s it.
The Pick: Medvedev in 4

Medvedev’s been the dominant force on hard courts for some time now. With his height, speed and smarts, if he can only translate that to clay and grass he could challenge the greatest of tennis records down the road.

Win or lose, it’s remarkable what Rafa is achievement at age 35, after all he’s been thru — remember he just got over a bout with COVID last month, and wasn’t sure if he would make the trip. Few thought 10 years ago he would still be playing, still be winning and winning on of all surfaces on hard courts.


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16 Comments for Rafael Nadal v Daniil Medvedev For The Australian Open Title, Who’s The Pick?

skeezer Says:

And a oh by the way, congrats to Djokers fans fav Krygios for winning the GS Slam for doubs. Well done!
AU rocks, 2 locals, 2 Champs!


Daniel Says:

Start watching and Nadal made his comeback, guess I’ll have to stop watching and let Medvedev do his thing hehe.

Nadal serving to force the fifth, both looking spent in my eyes.


vrael Says:

What Rafa has achieved today after being 6 months out, A surgery and then covid in December is just outrageous.

Coming from 2 sets down against a younger on fire medvedev was unimaginable for me.

What a Win.

Vamos Rafa Nadal.


skeezer Says:

Amazing. Looking gassed, but playing extremely smart, Rafa used his arsenal in the right places at the right times. Experience was the winner today, and he used it Magnificently,
Congrats Rafa on #21. Where no man has gone before……


Madmax Says:

I am so, so, happy for all the rafa fans out there. Today, Rafa won his 21st Grand Slam win. Incredible athlete. Elite athlete. Kind human being. Rafa is the GOAT today of tennis. I did not want to post throughout the match, I wanted to watch the match and can say with honesty, that this man is a freak of nature.

How on earth…? PURE MENTAL ABILITY, WHICH FEW POSSESS IN THIS WORLD. Rafael Nadal, is pure brilliance. An asset to men’s tennis. May he continue for another 5 years, at least.

A great day for tennis, for all nadal fans to ensure the spirit of tennis. for a long time to come. I have a few friends and colleagues who are Spaniards. They are speechless right now.

This was a brilliant match. Medevlev played just a notch below, it was so close (IMHO), at one point he looked as if he would go all the way, but the sheer mental strength of Rafa was too hard to beat. He is the all time great. I feel so happy for Rafa after all he has been through with his injuries.

This win is so well-deserved.


Madmax Says:

skeezer Says:
Amazing. Looking gassed, but playing extremely smart, Rafa used his arsenal in the right places at the right times. Experience was the winner today, and he used it Magnificently,
Congrats Rafa on #21. Where no man has gone before……

January 30th, 2022 at 11:13 am

Skeezer,

He was really, really smart, and to conserve all of that energy. he is an incredible athlete Skeezer. Really.

Game on for the next slam!


Madmax Says:

vrael Says:
What Rafa has achieved today after being 6 months out, A surgery and then covid in December is just outrageous.

Coming from 2 sets down against a younger on fire medvedev was unimaginable for me.

What a Win.

Vamos Rafa Nadal.

January 30th, 2022 at 10:36 am

I am happy for you vrael.

It is unbelievable. Fantastical even. But he did it.


jatin Says:

If you cannot take your chances being 2-0 and 3-2 with multiple break points ahead it will just be a matter of time before one of the greatest competitor in the history of tennis would make you pay for it.
Despite Medvedev playing incredible well what Rafa did today was something UNREAL and out of this world.

He has the 21st Slam in his arsenal now when everybody thought it would be Novak.

Many Many Congratulations Rafa and his fans. He is truely one of a kind and great inspiration who smilingly accept every kind of suffering he has been through and play as great as he possibly can.

A great life lesson indeed.

Who can really stop him from winning frech now ?


Madmax Says:

Hey Jatin!

I hear ya. Incredible win. Truly what dreams are made of.

From Federer:

Federer has paid tribute to Rafael Nadal after the 35-year-old won the Australian Open on Sunday. The Spaniard recovered from being two sets down to get the better of Daniil Medvedev at the Rod Laver Arena. And it means he’s now won 21 Grand Slam titles, more than any other male player in the sport’s history. Federer has now taken to social media to post a classy tribute to his long-term rival, hailing his work ethic and dedication while also revealing a recent joke they shared.

“To my friend and great rival, Rafael Nadal, heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles.

“A few months ago we were joking about both being on crutches. Amazing. Never underestimate a great champion.

“Your incredible work ethic, education and fighting spirit are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world.

“I am proud to share this era with you and honoured to play a role in pushing you to achieve more.

“As you have done for me the past 18 years.

“I am sure you have more achievements ahead but for now enjoy this one!”


Madmax Says:

From Novak:

“Congratulations to @RafaelNadal for 21st GS,” Djokovic said.

“Amazing achievement. Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time.

Come on Novak – get it together and come back, we need you in tennis!


Okiegal Says:

@Madmax…..What a sweet post! Thank you so much. I extended an olive branch out to you 3 or 4 years ago….. and I am so glad I did! It was a spectacular match. I’m still in awe of what I witnessed. Skeezer said it perfectly in his comment at 11:13. What a night of tennis!!


jatin Says:

Hey Madmax,
Hope you are doing well.
Isn’t it so amazing to see these great champions proving everyone wrong and still finding ways to win.

I wish to see Novak and Rafa to continue winning for a long time and hopefully Fed would join them around wimby too if he is fully fit again.

These guys are once in generation players and we would never see such rich era ever.

Really loving the 21st slam of Rafa.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Everyone in the last few posts, and Federer, said it all.

Would just add, I only watched the 4th and 5th, but even just seeing 2 sets, what a match. Astounding to keep up that level of intensity and aggression after 5 hours. Both these guys are champions.


Madmax Says:

Okiegal Says:
@Madmax…..What a sweet post! Thank you so much. I extended an olive branch out to you 3 or 4 years ago….. and I am so glad I did! It was a spectacular match. I’m still in awe of what I witnessed. Skeezer said it perfectly in his comment at 11:13. What a night of tennis!!

January 30th, 2022 at 12:35 pm

Oki,

I read it, and returned the same Oki, absolutely no hard feelings whatsoever. Past all of that nonsense here.

Jatin, like you and Oki, I am really thrilled for Rafa. I am glad we can put the GOAT debate to bed, for a while at least. As it stands, the bar is 21 grand slam titles, and the winner of that accolade is Rafael Nadal. This final was definitely one for the history books. Like I said, he is a machine. A freak of nature. A one in a million, in terms of his tenacity, he just never gives up.

I am not saying that I have gone over to the “dark side”. It will always be Federer for me. For me, he is the best there ever has been, always will be, the joy he has brought me over the years, but today, I feel surprisingly calm about all of this. Because credit, where credit is due.

I am so thrilled, so happy for the rafa fans because what a match it must have been for you all, all of you, when Medvedev was 2 sets up, you must have been praying to God, but knowing Rafa as we all know Rafa, this is not surprising, at all, because he comes back, just when his back is against the wall. This is the majesty of Nadal. He is all out to win, even when he loses, he never gives in, this is when he plays at his optimum, his best, his lights out best. This is truly remarkable.

It has been a great final, it has not disappointed. I do not feel sorry for Medvedev, because he will go on to win more and he will have his own opponents along the way to thrill us, I am certain of that.

When all is said and done, it is the Fed Nadal matches that I miss, I cannot help it. We have had so many good times with these two, and I miss that.

Who knows what is happening with Federer right now, it is hard when we think he has had these injuries and how is his recovery going, there is not a lot of information on that.

I then think of Rafa, his injuries, his comeback. I am amazed at his recovery, but I compare this to Federer once before, a couple of years ago, he came back from not having played tennis for a while, little match practice, and he was winning every damn competition in his way. Damn it! I miss those days!

Oki, enjoy with the rest of the Rafa fans – even Giles. I hope this turns a corner, for now, at least – where we can all celebrate something.

The great sport of tennis which we all love so much.

Vamos Rafa today!

Top story: Rafael Nadal Is Ready To Go For Australia, No Timetable On Retirement