Rafael Nadal’s five greatest comebacks

Rafael Nadal will play his final match at the 2024 Davis Cup final.

Known for his work ethic and ability to play long matches with the same intensity, Rafael Nadal is undeniably one of the greatest athletes in sports history. As a tennis player, he has won 22 Grand Slam titles, two Olympic gold medals (one singles and one doubles) and enjoys great respect among his rivals.

However, on an unfortunate evening earlier this year, the hugely popular tennis star announced a date for his retirement. With just a few games left before the Spanish tennis legend’s ultimate swansong, let’s take a look at Rafael Nadal’s five greatest comebacks:

5. Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev, Indian Wells Masters 2016

Nadal met Alexander Zverev for the first time at the Indian Wells Masters in 2016. Seeded fourth at the ATP 1000 Masters, Nadal faced German Zverev in the fourth round. The German tennis star stunned Nadal by winning the first set 6:7 (10:8). However, the Spaniard later humbled Zverev by winning the match 6-7 (10-8), 6-0, 7-5.

It was a clash between generations and Zverev had the lead, but Nadal’s masterstroke proved his ability on the court.

4. Rafael Nadal vs David Nalbandian, Indian Wells Masters 2009

Nadal defeated Britain’s Andy Murray and won the Indian Wells Masters 2009 in the summit duel 6:1, 6:2. But before reaching the final, the Spaniard had a tough fight against former Argentine tennis player David Nalbandian.

The Argentine won the first set confidently and also pushed Nadal to his limits in the second. However, Nadal prevailed in the second set and made a statement by defeating Nalbandian 6-0 in the decider.

3. Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic, Madrid Open 2009

Seeded first, Nadal didn’t drop a set until the semifinals, where he faced Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. The favorite to win the title, Nadal, lost the first set 3-6 and Djokovic almost won the match.

However, the “King of the Clay Court” forced the other two sets into a tiebreak and secured a memorable comeback victory over Djokovic. The final score was 3-6, 7-5 (7-5), 7-6 (11-9). ).

Also read: Rafael Nadal will retire from tennis after the 2024 Davis Cup final

2. Rafael Nadal vs. Lucas Pouille, China Open 2017

Nadal met Frenchman Lucas Pouille in the round of 32 at the 2017 China Open and, interestingly, it was the last meeting between the two on the tour. Pouille won the first set 4-6 and was in pole position to secure the win in straight sets. Nadal kept his cool as the Frenchman took control of the game through unforced errors at crucial points.

However, the 22-time Grand Slam winner resisted the pressure and forced the set into a tiebreak, which he eventually won 8-6. Nadal secured the victory 4:6, 7:6 (8:6), 7:5.

1. Rafael Nadal vs Daniil Medvedev, Australian Open 2022

The Spanish icon undeniably achieved the greatest tennis comeback of the 21st century in the top duel at the Australian Open 2022 against the Russian Daniil Medvedev. The 2021 US Open winner won the first two sets and was just one point away from victory in the third set.

However, the Spaniard managed a remarkable performance against Medvedev and secured the win in five sets. It was Nadal’s 21st Grand Slam title

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