Rafael Nadal Honored One Era With Roger Federer

MDP Live - Recently, Rafael Nadal replied to a message congratulating Roger Federer after the Spaniard won the 21st Grand Slam title of his career at the 2022 Australian Open.

The former world number 1 has finally broken the men's record with the most number of Grand Slam titles after coming back from two sets down against world number 2 Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final. This achievement received admiration from fellow tennis players, including Swiss tennis star Roger Federer.

A 20-year-old Grand Slam title, Federer took to Instagram to congratulate the Spaniard on becoming the first male player to win 21 Grand Slam titles. He also admitted that he felt great about his role in helping the Spaniard to achieve such remarkable achievements.

“To my friend and toughest rival @rafaelnadal, congratulations on becoming the first male player to win 21 Grand Slam titles. A few weeks ago we joked about using crutches. It's amazing, never underestimate a true champion. Your extraordinary work ethic, dedication and fighting spirit are an inspiration to me and countless individuals around the world. I am proud to share this era with you and honored to play a role in pushing you to achieve more, as you have done for me over the past 18 seasons. I'm sure you can achieve more in the future, but for now, enjoy the moment," Federer wrote.

Speaking to Swiss-German media in Melbourne, the Spaniard said he would answer the message to Federer personally.

"I will tell him personally. I can't do it yet, answer it, but yeah, it means a lot to me. We have an amazing relationship. We did amazing things together, for me it's a great honor to be a part of his era," said Nadal.

"I think we brought to life some of the most amazing moments in the history of this sport. And you know, getting that message from him meant a lot to me."

"I wish him a speedy recovery, I really hope we will be able to play against each other again in such a prestigious tournament."

Towards the end of the interview, he insisted that he was unsure about whether he could win the Australian Open title before arriving in Melbourne.

"I never thought that I would get the chance to enjoy this again, it's impossible to imagine a day like this a few seasons ago. I think I trained hard, my team and family were by my side to support me in difficult times. I wasn't ready for a match like that. It was a big surprise, the most unexpected thing in my tennis career. But yes, it is very, very special," said Nadal.

For Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev doesn't need advice because of this

MDP Live - Spain's Rafael Nadal achieved a seemingly impossible feat when he won his 21st career Grand Slam title at the 2022 Australian Open.

The former world number 1 won the Australian Open in Melbourne in the first month since he returned to compete for the first time at an ATP tournament in six months.

In an epic match that lasted 5 hours and 30 minutes against world number 2 Daniil Medvedev, the 2009 Australian Open champion finally won and he did something no other male player has ever achieved, namely to win a Grand Slam title for the 21st time.

On the other hand, the Russian national tennis player, Medvedev expressed his frustration with the result of the match, as well as to the audience. At the end of the final, he talks about how things went downhill and mentions how losing to Nadal was one of those moments when a child, who refers to himself, stops dreaming.

Therefore, a journalist asked the Spaniard if he could give Medvedev any advice on the matter.

"I think he is quite intelligent," said Nadal. "He doesn't need any advice from me."

Then the former world number 1 praised the Russian national by praising his personality.

"Daniil is sometimes on the pitch so excited, but when you meet him in person, he's a very nice guy. He is a very intelligent man, a friendly man," Nadal added.

However, the Spaniard also expressed regret about how the match turned around and how it affected the 2021 US Open champions.

"On the one hand, I feel sorry that he feels that way, like this after the match," said the world number five. After all, it certainly doesn't feel good, "losing a match like that with almost everyone in the crowd cheering your opponent."

While the audience at the 2022 Australian Open has clearly supported the Spaniard, he himself has no doubt that the crowd will soon be cheering Medvedev just as hard.

Talking about the future, the world number 5 said he believes the Russian will have "plenty of time to enjoy the amazing audience that supports him." In fact, he mentioned that the audience he meant was not only audiences in Australia, but also all over the world.

“He will experience this wonderful feeling. I have no doubts about it,” said Nadal about Medvedev who will get the support of audiences around the world.

Not Sitting During the Australian Open, This Is Danielle Rose Collins' Reason

MDP Live - Last Saturday (29/1) at the top of the Australian Open, we saw one of Ashleigh Barty's best performances against Danielle Rose Collins.

Barty has been dominant throughout the Australian Open this season and that trend continues in the finals. However, the tennis player across the net from the world number 1 gave fierce resistance.

Before the Australian Open started, the host, Barty, was one of the favorites to win a Grand Slam title in Melbourne. But no one expected that the American would make it to the final, especially after he suffered a number of injuries in previous seasons. Even so, his journey to the final in Melbourne this time will inspire many.

The 27th seed has been stunning throughout the Australian Open this season. But he suffered a back spasm in the previous round, as well as in the final. That was the reason that kept him from sitting during the substitutions throughout the tournament.

“Yeah, that's the reason why I didn't sit down the entire tournament, which the physical therapist actually recommended, in order to avoid having my back spasm, which has been very challenging. This time, it wasn't because of my physical condition, if I'm completely honest,” said Rose Collins.

The American also revealed that he will work closely with specialists in the future so that he can return to the best condition for the next tournaments.

"I look forward to working closely with the specialists, heading into next week. I hope these strategies and techniques will help me move forward to the next tournaments in Dubai and Doha,” added Rose Collins.

Despite losing to Barty in straight sets, the American will occupy the highest ranking of her career to date, namely world number 10. He is also now the US number 1 tennis player. After his impressive performance at the Australian Open, he deserved it.

In the final, Rose Collins almost took a set against Barty when she led 5-1 in the second. But the tenacity of the world number 1 proved too strong for the Americans. Now, he will turn his attention to the next tournament which will start on February 14.

Rafael Nadal admits Melbourne final was one of the most emotional matches

MDP Live - Rafael Nadal has never given up on challenging moments, but he even surprised himself with a five-set victory over Daniil Medvedev in the 2022 Australian Open final.

The sixth seed struggled after dropping the first two sets before becoming the first male player to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles.

"If we put all the aspects, the scenario, the momentum, what it means, yes, it's probably the biggest revival of my tennis career," said Nadal, who won the Australian Open for the first time in 2009.

"In the end, it's all about winning, but the way you win games in terms of personal feelings is a different matter. The way I got this trophy is unforgettable, one of the most emotional matches of my career, without a doubt. This means a lot to me.”

Despite trailing 0/40 with serve in hand to world number 2 Medvedev leading by two sets and 3-2 in the third, the Spaniard said he has not lost faith that he can hold on in a tough match against the US Open champions. 2021 season.

"In that moment, of course it was a critical situation. But exercise is the unexpected. The normal thing is to lose in three straight sets in such a situation. On the other hand, I had a big chance in the second set."

“I kept repeating to myself the whole game, I lost a lot of times here in Melbourne after getting chances, sometimes I was a little unlucky. I just want to keep believing until the end. I just wanted to give myself a chance."

"That's what I do. Just struggling, just believing in trying to find a way out. Of course, I feel lucky to have saved that moment. There are many moments that can decide a final like this."

The former world number 1 also paid tribute to Medvedev.

"I think Daniil is a great champion. He took the loss very well and I can say thank you because it was a very tough day for him. I know how hard it is to be in that position," Nadal said.

The Spaniard is aware of the importance of winning a 21st Grand Slam title, but he is adamant this season's Australian Open title will not suddenly change his perspective on his career.

"It's amazing to be able to win another Grand Slam title at this stage of my career," admitted Nadal. "Sure, I know it's a special number, 21. I know what it means, but from my point of view today is a day I will never forget. I feel lucky to have achieved another very special thing in my career.”

“I really believe that I have a very positive spirit. In the last six months, I've really struggled to get back on the pitch. There are a lot of tough moments because you don't know if you're going to get a chance. I feel honoured.”

It has been a long journey since the 19-year-old Spaniard won his first career Grand Slam title at the French Open in 2005 and he admits his feelings about winning a Grand Slam have changed as he gets older.

"Today was more emotional than the first title, no doubt," said Nadal. "In this phase towards the end of your career, I think you enjoy this moment more because you know your chances are decreasing. When you're 19, of course it's very special, but you know if you play well you'll keep getting chances to enjoy moments like that."

Danielle Rose Collins returns home with her head held high after Australian Open

MDP Live - Danielle Rose Collins says she will go home proud after cornering Ashleigh Barty in the first Grand Slam final of her career at the 2022 Australian Open.

The 27th seed was a calculated dark horse against world number 1 Barty as she snatched a 5-1 lead in the second set and looked determined to force the decider.

However, Australian Barty fought hard to get back on her feet and snatched four games in a row before forcing a tiebreak and picking up a straight sets win over the 28-year-old in the Australian Open final.

"Not the result I wanted of course, but I did my best. I did all the things I could do. I pushed to the limit and I gave myself a chance towards the end of the game," said Rose Collins.

"Unfortunately the game didn't go my way, but I did everything I could, and in the end, that's what you can do."

Despite losing the Australian Open final, the American will be breaking into the top 10 for the first time in her career when the new rankings are released next week.

The 27th seed's run at the Australian Open this season marks a remarkable turning point since she underwent surgery for endometriosis last year. After that, she won two Grand Slam titles and reached the Grand Slam final for the first time in her career. Interestingly, he achieved so much without a coach.

“I really train myself. I think I played with the right game plan. I did everything I could, but unfortunately some things just didn't work out for me," said Rose Collins.

"It's really difficult technically if you're not in good shape physically for you to do it."

"This time my body didn't always agree with me and I had to struggle a bit with my body, which is to be expected when you go this far in the tournament."

“I think my overall rating is pretty good. I think there are some areas I need to improve. I can certainly walk proud without a coach and do it alone.”

Felix Auger Aliassime leaves Melbourne with his head held high

MDP Live - Canadian tennis player Felix Auger Aliassime was disappointed, but unfazed after suffering a bitter defeat in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

The 21-year-old squandered a two-set lead – including a match point opportunity in the fourth set – against world number 2 Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Australian Open. Nonetheless, he showed admirable maturity in overcoming the disappointment of the loss. .

"I can come back and I hope I will take a different choice or I hope Daniil doesn't play that well in certain moments. However, it's still a pretty good effort,” admits Auger Aliassime.

"In the end, I can't feel sorry for the effort I put in and the opportunities I gave myself. I want to look at it in a positive light.”

"Of course I want to win. I like winning. It's pretty frustrating when you lose, but that's life. I just have to accept it.”

The defeat will be quite painful because for the second time in a row, the Canadian national lost after winning by two sets at the Australian Open. But there are many positive things he can take from the match. The world number 9 tennis player was able to corner the world number 2 player, Medvedev to the brink of defeat.

“I always believed that I could produce the performance I did in that match. I showed it, but of course it's the difference between knowing you have that belief in yourself and showing it in real games, playing it and being so close to winning."

"But of course it's a positive thing, I mean, it's quite positive for me. It's a world-class competition, so at the end of the day, I think that's a reassuring message I can send to my fellow players I'm facing in the competition."

"I'm ready to test myself against the best players and I've proven that time and time again."

The Canadian added that he would happily put himself in that position again with the belief that in the future he will finally be able to 'cross that line'. But for now, he plans to reflect on the positive start of the season and use that momentum over the next few weeks or months.

"I wish I could go back and change it, but I can't. So, I have to accept it. That's what happened. I see it from the positive side," said Auger Aliassime.

"It's a shame I couldn't win, but it was an impressive match. I point out some positives. I'm going to leave Australia with my head held high and I'm going to go through the rest of the season knowing that I can play well, I can play well against the best players in the world."

Australian Open Results: Danielle Rose Collins Returns To The Semifinals

MDP Live - Three seasons after setting foot in the semifinals of the first Grand Slam of her career, Danielle Rose Collins is back in the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2022.

The 27th seed successfully beat French national Alize Cornet 7-5, 6-1 in 1 hour 28 minutes in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open which was held at Rod Laver Arena.

“This means a lot to me. I mean, as an athlete and myself, I've been playing tennis since I was 7 years old. I train every day, I sacrificed a lot as a kid so I can be where I am today. For hours I spent on the field with my dad and he drove me all over the place to get the best facilities to get me to where I am today. With all the challenges and being able to overcome them, I know this means a lot to me, and so to my family,” said Rose Collins.

The American made a breakthrough at Grand Slams when she competed at the 2019 Australian Open, precisely when she made sure to qualify for the semifinals as the world number 35. During that Grand Slam, she bagged her first win over a top 5 player when she defeated 2016 Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber in the last 16.

The 28-year-old has a 31-7 winning streak since last July. In that period, he had won 12 consecutive wins, which included winning back-to-back titles in Palermo (clay-court) and San Jose (hard-court).

Playing the first tournament of the 2022 season in Melbourne, he has a chance to debut in the top 10 after the Australian Open, but only if he manages to make it to the final.

While the defeat ended the best run of world number 61, Cornet in a Grand Slam. She beat former world number 1 Simona Halep to finally reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time in 63 appearances at a Grand Slam.

Rose Collins had come from a set down in her previous two matches, but she held on tight to win a tight first set before sliding into the second without much of a hitch.

The American hit 28 winners, more than Cornet, who only hit 11 winners. Although she made 12 more unforced errors than the French, she claimed 90 percent of her first serve points and only lost on one occasion.

Waiting for Rose Collins in the Australian Open semifinals is the seventh seed, Iga Swiatek or the Estonian Kaia Kanepi.

Despite the defeat, Denis Shapovalov is proud of his fighting spirit

MDP Live - Despite losing to a tight result to Rafael Nadal at the 2022 Australian Open, Denis Shapovalov was proud of his fighting spirit in the quarterfinals of the Grand Slam.

The tennis player, who is appearing in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open for the first time, came back after losing the first two sets to equalize before losing 3-6 in the decider.

"I'm happy with the way I was able to fight and bounce back," said Shapovalov. "I definitely found my game at the end of the third and fourth sets. The positives are getting more time at Grand Slams, getting the chance to try to find your game. Overall, it was a positive tournament for me."

The 14th seed beat world number 3 Alexander Zverev to book a quarter-final against Spaniard Nadal, but he struggled to cope with the former world number 1's intensity early in the match. He also changed strategy and showed growing maturity as a player in an attempt to bounce back in the match.

"I just changed a few things. I feel I returned a lot of balls, so I'm just trying to prepare better. Once I did that, I could really see the serve and it came back really well," added Shapovalov.

The tennis player who is now trailing head to head against Nadal by 1-4, remains frustrated with the level of play in the fifth set.

“It was a shame to lose that set. I definitely feel like I'm getting a chance with my racket. I mean, in the third, fourth and fifth sets, I felt I was the better player and had more chances. There was only one bad game for me," said Shapovalov.

The sixth seed's win means he still has a chance to win a 21st Grand Slam title of his career this week at the Australian Open. When asked about the Spanish tennis star, the Canadian was full of admiration and acknowledged how tough the 35-year-old was.

"Rafa played well in the last set. Once he broke me, he kept his service game and served really hard. He definitely puts a lot of pressure on you, returns a lot of balls and plays aggressively when he needs it. Maybe another lawal will give me a little freedom. It was definitely a tough match," said Shapovalov.

Australian Open Results: Iga Swiatek Down, But Not Out

MDP Live - Poland's Iga Swiatek was cornered into three sets for the first time at the 2022 Australian Open, but he overcame it.

The seventh seed had to drop the first set against Romania's Sorana Cirstea before picking up a 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 victory that sent her into the Australian Open quarter-finals for the first time in her career.

The 2020 French Open champion reached the quarter-finals of the first Grand Slam outside of the French Open where he reached the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam in 2021. However, he had to survive the onslaught of the world number 38 before finally picking up victory after 2 hours 28 minutes.

"For sure, he put a lot of pressure on me," admitted Swiatek. “I had to overcome some of the doubts I had. I did pretty well, because I don't have any positive stats about coming back after losing the first set. So, that's something I'm still working on.”

“This kind of match will give me a lot of confidence in the future, because coming back after losing the first set against a player who is constantly moving forward, it was quite tough, and I did it. I felt I could cope with these different scenarios on the pitch and in the end it was quite positive."

Last season, the Polish national was the only woman to reach the fourth round or better at all four Grand Slams. Even though he was cornered by Cirstea, he is now 29-2 against a player outside the top 30 he has faced at a Grand Slam.

Cirstea is one set from the quarter-finals of a second Grand Slam of her career and for the first time in 13 seasons, when she advanced to that stage at the 2009 French Open. However, she failed to bag a 16th win over a top 10 player against Swiatek.

Betting a place in the semifinals of the Australian Open, Swiatek will face Estonian Kaia Kanepi who surprisingly beat second seed Aryna Sabalenka 5-7, 6-2, 7-6.

The win put Kanepi in the quarter-finals of a seventh Grand Slam of his career, but for the first time at the Australian Open. This means that at the age of 36, Kanepi has now managed to reach the quarter-finals of every Grand Slam.

Australian Open Results: Ashleigh Barty Strengthens Himself As Competitor

MDP Live - World number 1 Ashleigh Barty has booked a place in the Australian Open quarter-finals for the fourth time in a row.

The host tennis player needed 74 minutes to overthrow American Amanda Anisimova 6-4, 6-3.

The top seed's previous encounter with Anisimova was in the semifinals of the 2019 French Open which she won in three sets. At that time, she went down the first set after leading 5-0, but came back from 0-3 to win the second set and eventually won the match before winning the first Grand Slam title of her career.

However, there was no repeat of that when they met again in the fourth round of the 2022 Australian Open, although world number 60 Anisimova managed to break the world number 1's winning streak in retaining 63 service games at the start of the second set.

"It doesn't bother me too much. To be honest, I didn't count how many games I kept in a row or not. The fact that I was able to rise up, instantly retaliating against it by breaking it was the really important thing. Just resetting myself, getting back on track, and continuing to do the right things," Barty said.

"In that game, Amanda saw some second serves she was able to anticipate and she also had some impressive first serve returns."

Barty's quest to become the host women's tennis player who won the Australian Open since Chris O'Neil's 1978 season is still alive. In the second week she played in Melbourne, she lost in the quarter-finals of the 2019 season to Petra Kvitova, lost in the semifinals of the 2020 season to Sofia Kenin, and lost in the quarter-finals of the 2021 season to Karolina Muchova.

Standing between Barty and a place in the Australian Open semifinals is Anisimova's compatriot and 21st seed, Jessica Pegula.

“Pegula was able to defend in the baseline area very well. It will be a challenge for me to try and push him behind the baseline and make him uncomfortable,” commented Barty, who has not dropped a set until the fourth round of the Australian Open this season.

"But I knew he would do the same there and try to make me uncomfortable. That is the game of chess we will play. You go on the pitch and have fun, see who can execute the game better."