Nadal not yet thinking about more grand slam success
Rafael Nadal will savour his historic and unexpected Australian Open triumph before turning his thoughts to what comes next.
The 35-year-old feared his careermightbeoverasrecently as December while a chronic foot problem continued to keep him off court but he dug into his deep well of competitive resolve to fight back from two sets to love down against Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s epic final.
After the match, which lasted five hours and 24 minutesandfinishedat1.11am,Nadal could be seen lying utterly exhaustedonamatintheplayers’ gym.
It was perhaps even more extraordinary than Roger Federer’svictoryfiveyearsago at the same age following knee problems, when he defeated Nadal in the final and felt the rare joy of exceeding expectations. “I think you are able to enjoymorethesemomentsbecause you know the chances are less,” said Nadal.
“When you are 19, when I achievedthefirst,ofcourseit’s super special, but you know, if you are playing well, you’re going to keep having chances to enjoy moments.
“Today you never know what can happen. Of course I am proud. The personal satisfaction is higher than years ago. I think I just stay more in themomentwithoutthinking so far in front.”
The triumph brought Nadal a record 21st grand slam title, nudging him ahead of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the race to top men’s tennis, and with the chance for 22 at the French Open in the spring.
Hispriorityfornowwillbe to let his body recover before he returns to tour action. His next event is scheduled to be the ATP tournament in Acapulco at the end of February priortothebigMastersevents in Indian Wells and Miami.
“I don’t know what can happen on clay or not,” said Nadal, who will look to regain the Roland Garros title from Djokovic.
“I have hopefully some events before clay. Just enjoying these moments, hope to share with the family this unforgettable moment, then I’m going to think what’s next for me.”
The big question over the next few months will be how often Djokovic is able to play if he remains unvaccinated. Having been so close to 21 himself at the US Open last year, the Serbian could find himself two behind Nadal heading into Wimbledon.