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INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 15: Roger Federer of Switzerland shakes hands at the net after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain in their fourth round match during day ten of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 15: Roger Federer of Switzerland shakes hands at the net after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain in their fourth round match during day ten of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal has had a dream start to the 2022 season. The Spaniard scripted history by becoming the first man to lift 21 Grand Slam singles titles. The former World No. 1 defeated Daniil Medvedev of Russia to complete an amazing turnaround and lift his second Australian Open title. Nadal overcame the odds and the weight of history, to defeat the Russian in a match that lasted 5 hours and 24 minutes at the Rod Laver Arena.
His long-term rival on court and friend, Roger Federer, congratulated Nadal for achieving the historical feat through a heartwarming Instagram story. Further, Caroline Wozniacki praised the Swiss legend for his heartfelt post.
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DIVE DEEPER: ‘I Even Can’t Celebrate’: Rafael Nadal on His Fatigue Following Grueling Australian Open 2022 Finals
Caroline Wozniacki praises ‘class act’ of Roger Federer after Rafael Nadal lifts Australian Open 2022 title
Roger Federer took to Instagram and posted a heartfelt congratulatory message for Nadal after his victory. Former World Number 1 Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark re-shared Federer’s story on her official Instagram handle with the caption that read, “Such a class act.”
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PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 07: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerland embrace at the net after their mens singles semi-final match during Day thirteen of the 2019 French Open at Roland Garros on June 07, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Earlier, Roger Federer had some amazing words for the Spaniard, which he shared via his official Instagram handle. The message read, “What a match! 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.”
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Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 31, 2022. Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during the final against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Further, he added, “I am proud to share this era with you and honored to play a role in pushing you to achieve more, as you have done for me for the past 18 years. I am sure you have more achievements ahead but for now, enjoy this one!”
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WATCH THIS STORY: 5 Rafael Nadal Shots That Made Commentators Go Wild at Australian Open 2022
The two legends had missed the latter part of last year’s season owing to their respective injuries. However, the Spaniard has come back stronger this season, while Federer is still recovering from his knee injury.
