Rafael Nadal pays tribute to Federer and Djokovic while declining to reveal next event

Rafael Nadal has paid tribute to long-time rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic after claiming a historic 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

Nadal fought back from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev in an epic final in Melbourne on Sunday. It was his first Australian Open title since 2009 and came just months after the Spaniard feared retirement due to injury.

Speaking on everything Nadal said:

"At the end of the day, it's just a game and in some way we achieved more than what we ever dreamed when we were kids. I mean, at the end, it doesn't matter that much if one is 21, one is 20, or the other finished 23 and the other with 21. I think we did very important things for our sport and we achieved our dreams and we enjoy it. I feel lucky to be part of this era that has been very special for our sport."

Read also

"F*** I'm going to lose like 2012 and 2017" - an emotional Nadal drops expletive during interview

Nadal did not want to disclose when he will return to the courts although he is set to appear in Acapulco. He was set to appear at the event last year as well but pulled out ahead of it and it remains to be seen whether he might do something similar. When asked about it:

"My schedule? I don't know, I have my schedule planned, but I just now enjoying the moment. I need to be back, I need to see how my body recovers from an amazing month and I'm going to make my decision."

Read also

2022 Abierto Mexicano Telcel Acapulco Entry List including Medvedev, Zverev, Nadal and Tsitsipas (Last Update - 16-02)