Rival's stunning swipe at Rafa Nadal over Novak Djokovic absence

Tennis star Damir Džumhur has taken a swipe at Rafael Nadal's 21st grand slam achievement after claiming 'anyone could win' the Australian Open without Novak Djokovic there.

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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The pair spent more than five hours on court with both gladiators mounting nearly 20 hours total during their Australian Open campaigns.

Nadal's win took him past both Djokovic and Roger Federer on the men's all-time leader board for grand slams.

However, Džumhur seems to have taken exception to Nadal's win and claimed it wasn't as legitimate considering the defending champ wasn't at Melbourne Park.

Djokovic was deported from Australia after his visa was revoked and the 20-time grand slam champion wasn't able to defend his title at his most lucrative major.

And Džumhur claimed Djokovic was still the 'Greatest Of All Time' even if Nadal had overtaken him in the race.

"Anyone can win a grand slam without Novak competing," he said.

"Still the GOAT."

The swipe most likely won't affect Nadal who now will take some time to rest before competing at his favourite grand slam, Roland Garros.

This will give him another chance to extend his grand slam lead.

"Of course, after this month of practising hard, playing very long matches, the foot was able to hold all this stress, of course I feel more confident that I going to have the chance to keep going, keep fighting, keep enjoying this beautiful sport," he said on Monday.

"That's what make me happy. I just feel confident now that I going to have my chances to keep playing tennis for a while, yeah."

Rafa Nadal exhausted after Aus Open win

Djokovic showed some class after Nadal's historic Australian Open victory.

Djokovic took to Twitter to hail Nadal's 'amazing' achievement, also congratulating Ash Barty on winning the women's title.

"Congratulations to Rafael Nadal for 21st GS. Amazing achievement,” he wrote.

“Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time.

"Daniel Medvedev gave it his all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him."

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