Rafael Nadal on course for record breaking 21st Grand Slam title in Australian Open final

Rafael Nadal’s hopes of a record-breaking 21st grand slam title are still very much alive after the Spaniard defeated Matteo Berrettini in Melbourne.

The 2009 champion will play the sixth Australian Open final of his career after playing a contested 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3 win over Berrettini.

“We need to suffer, and we need to fight. That’s the only way to be where I am today. It means a lot to me to be in the final again here” said an emotional Nadal, after the match.

The former world number 1 has now reached his 29th Grand slam final despite dealing with a career ending foot injury months ago.

The “king of clay” only made his return to the court at the exhibition Mubadala last December before he then tested positive for coronavirus in the lead up to the new year, with uncertainty looming about whether he would play in the first Grand Slam of the year.

35-year-old Nadal admits he had to dig deep to fight against a comeback from Berrettini.

“I know how good Matteo is. In the third I knew at some point he’s going to go for the shots. I think I didn’t play a good game with my serve, but he played some great shots.” He added.

Currently tied on 20 grand slam titles with rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, Nadal is now only one match away from becoming the first man to win a 21st grand slam singles title- an unprecedented feat.

Speaking on his chance at making history with a 21st slam title, Nadal said: “For me it’s all about the Australian Open more than anything else. It’s an amazing event. I’ve been unlucky with a few injuries. I was close a couple of times. I never thought about another chance in 2022.”

Nadal will face either Daniil Medvedev or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final on Sunday.