Rafael Nadal the record holder for most French Open titles, has pulled clear of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer on the table of most Grand Slam titles in history. What a feat of endurance for the now 35 year old. I have got to admit it , it looked like Rafa had run his race in his quarterfinal win over Denis Shapovalov. He looked spent in that five set win over the Canadian. Although he was the better tennis player against Berrettini in the semis , a two set to love hole against Medvedev looked a steep one at best. But the Mallorca native never seizes to amaze with his shot making. My play of the week came early in the match in the first set at 1-1 on Rafa's serve and 0-30 down. Being a lefty, Rafa's supposed "weaker" side is the backhand side. Daniil exploits that brilliantly, with the forehand down the line mid point getting him in the driving seat toward winning it. Now, look, Daniil has the whole left side of the court to aim at, but he goes smack down the middle giving Rafa the window he desperately needed. What happens next for me is down to just plain old TALENT. I don't think Rafa catches the forehand cleanly, but the flick motion got the angle necesary to beat Daniil for the most astonishing , science defying shot of the tournament. The win in Melbourne will rank among the greatest comebacks in tennis and sports(right up there with McEnroe Vs Lendl 1984 Roland Garros). The fact that Novak was absent(one of the greatest what ifs in sports) won't take that away from him.
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