Rafael Nadal relives unforgettable 2022 Australian Open final: “It’s almost impossible to replicate”

Rafael Nadal recalled the epic 2022 Australian Open final in a recent advertisement. The 22-time Grand Slam champion announced his retirement two months ago during the Davis Cup Finals, concluding a career spanning more than 20 years, with 92 titles and over 200 weeks as world No. 1.

Three years ago in Melbourne, Nadal secured his 21st major title, finally surpassing Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer (both with 20) as the player with the most Grand Slam titles in history. Nadal entered the tournament amid concerns due to injuries that had kept him off the court for much of 2021, yet delivered a remarkable performance at the tournament that had long eluded him.

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Seeded sixth, Nadal advanced to the final by defeating opponents such as Denis Shapovalov and Matteo Berrettini. Facing Daniil Medvedev in the final, Nadal staged a legendary comeback from 2-6, 6-7, 2-3 (0-40) to win 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 after five hours and 24 minutes, claiming his 21st Grand Slam title.

In a recent promotional video for one of the Australian Open sponsors, the Spaniard reflected on this defining moment: “2022 in the Australian Open final. One of the most emotional moments of my tennis career,” the former world No. 1 said. “That feeling, that adrenaline, it’s almost impossible to replicate.”

Nadal concluded his career in November at the Davis Cup Finals, where Spain was eliminated in the quarterfinals. He faced Botic van de Zandschulp but was defeated 4-6, 4-6, a loss that ultimately contributed to Spain's exit from the tournament.

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