Fans notice staggering detail in Rafa Nadal's post-match act
Rafa Nadal could barely stand after more than five hours on-court in an enthralling Australian Open final and many fans noticed a similarity to a previous final the Spaniard was in with none other than Novak Djokovic.
Nadal prevailed in what has been described as the 'greatest comeback' in the Ope Era to defeat Daniil Medvedev 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in the Australian Open final.
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OH NO: Daniil Medvedev caught in shock act in trophy presentation
The pair spent more than five hours on court with both gladiators mounting nearly 20 hours total during their Australian Open campaigns.
Both Medvedev and Nadal showed signs of exhaustion and fatigue during their battle.
Following the match, Medvedev revealed to the crowd he asked Nadal if he was even tired after the Spaniard's breathtaking comeback from two sets down.
But the answer was laid bare for the world to see as the 35-year-old was seen sitting on a chair next to the younger Medvedev during the trophy presentation.
This moment was reminiscent of the famous scenes from 2012 when Djokovic defeated Nadal at the Australian Open after a five hour and 53 minute marathon.
Medvedev and Nadal's match was the second-longest grand slam match ever, behind the 2012 classic.
Fortunately for Nadal, he had something to smile about this time after claiming his second Australian Open title and becoming the first male player to reach 21 grand slam championships.
An #AusOpen tradition unlike any other:
Nadal getting a chair for the Kia speech after a 5+ hour final. pic.twitter.com/LKg2rP43fP— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 30, 2022
Nadal given a chair during the trophy ceremony, bringing back memories of 2012
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) January 30, 2022
Medvedev turning down a chair as Nadal sits.
Still got energy to troll. pic.twitter.com/6rttiQdDoa— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) January 30, 2022
They finally learnt from 2012 and got Nadal a chair this time around 😭
— Nikhila (@kokudum) January 30, 2022
Nadal given a chair a decade after needing to be given a chair in that record breaking lengthy final. Poetic x
— Yasmin Stefanie Syed (@yasminstefsyed) January 30, 2022
Rafa Nadal collapses in heap after Australian Open title
The sapping encounter was the second-longest final in Australian Open history and it took its toll on the 35-year-old champion.
Startling post-match footage emerged of the moment Nadal collapsed in a heap on the locker room floor surrounded by his coaches and trainers.
He skipped the traditional studio interview with Channel Nine because he was so exhausted, but was still made to go through his cool-down routine with his trainers.
All of us after that match 😅
You've earned it, @RafaelNadal #AusOpen • #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/0od3OtT0nV— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2022
Footage shows Nadal on the exercise bike in the bowels of Rod Laver Arena before being greeted and congratulated by Aussie legend Rod Laver.
Nadal then collapsed in exhaustion on the floor as the gravity of his achievement began to sink in.
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