"Champions never give up" - Cricket fraternity hails Rafael Nadal's historic Australian Open 2022 final win
Tennis star Rafael Nadal etched his name in the history books by winning his 21st Grand Slam on Sunday, January 30. The 35-year-old defeated Daniil Medvedev 2-6,6-7,6-4,6-4,7-5 in a thrilling five-set encounter in the men's singles final of the Australian Open 2022.
The Spaniard overtook Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic to become the first tennis player to win 21 Grand Slam titles.
It is worth mentioning that Medvedev started strongly by winning the first two sets. However, Nadal staged a miraculous turnaround and won his second Australian Open.
Social media was flooded with appreciation posts for Rafael Nadal after his brilliant victory. Several members of the Twitter fraternity also congratulated the player on his famous victory.
Here are some of the reactions from the cricketers.
India's batting legend Sachin Tendulkar:
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 https://t.co/VHjjlb4GFN
India U19 head coach VVS 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. https://t.co/vz7yuV70Hl
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers:
Rafa always shows us what Sport is all about. Respect for his opponent and the game, incredible fight till the end, and humility irrespective of his achievements. Legend
Ex-India opener Virender Sehwag:
hai Fire . 
Rafael - Fire 馃敟hai Fire .
What an incredible comeback, what a champion #RafaelNadal https://t.co/5aNFTRP1wc
Former India keeper-batter Parthiv Patel:
More than the feat of 21st Grand slam which is the most by anyone in men鈥檚 history , this is truly a stunning comeback by #Nadal in this match who is a superman!#AustralianOpen2022 #AustralianOpen #NadalvsMedvedev #NadalMedvedev https://t.co/5DbQF1CnRj
India's senior wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik:
What a match and what a man 馃憦
It looked like a straight set blowout the way Medvedev was playing.
But champions never give up 鈥硷笍
One of his best comebacks ever
Congrats @RafaelNadal 馃弳
#AO2022
#AusOpen https://t.co/LVIJvsUsLF
India's cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar:
RAFAEL NADAL!
India's star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin:
Such Tenacity as usual from the great man Rafa!馃憦馃憦 #AO2022
"It has been one of the most emotional matches in my tennis career" - Rafael Nadal
Speaking in his on-court interview, Nadal mentioned that it was one of the most emotional matches of his career. He stated that it was an honor to share the court with the talented Daniill Medvedev.
Rafael Nadal said:
"It has been one of the most emotional matches in my tennis career and to share the court with you [Medvedev] was an honor.
"Being honest, one and a half months ago I didn't know if I would be back on the tour playing tennis again and today I am here in front of you with the trophy again. You don't know how much I fought to be here. Thank you so much for the love and support."
He revealed that he had doubts regarding his participation in the event, as he was dealing with a foot injury. Rafael Nadal added that he was overwhelmed with the tremendous support he received from fans during the Australian Open 2022.