Jan 30, 2022 - Sports

Rafael Nadal wins Australian Open final, breaking Grand Slam record

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Rafael Nadal reacts after winning against Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open — Rafael Nadal reacts after winning against Daniil Medvedev during their men's singles final match at the Australian Open. Photo: William West/AFP via Getty

Spain's Rafael Nadal beat Daniil Medvedev late Sunday to win the 2022 Australian Open men's singles.

Why it matters: Nadal, 35, claims his 21st Grand Slam title, breaking a three-way record for most titles that he held with Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Switzerland's Roger Federer.

The win was also Nadal's second Australian Open title.

The big picture: Djokovic was unable to compete in this year's Australian Open over his refusal to receive a coronavirus vaccine, while Federer has yet to return to the court since having knee surgery in August 2021.

Go deeper: The Djokovic debacle

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Rafael Nadal wins Australian Open final, breaking Grand Slam record

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