RAFAEL Nadal’s record 21st Grand Slam title, secured in an epic Australian Open final yesterday, was hailed by both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who had been tied with him on 20.

Nadal, 35, battled back from two sets down to defeat Russia’s Daniil Medvedev 2-6, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in a gruelling more than five-hour fight in Melbourne.

It crowned an extraordinary effort from the Spaniard at the opening major of the year, having to modify his game to compensate for a degenerative bone disease in his left foot that ended his season last August.

Federer, who came close to becoming the first to 21 before he lost in five sets to Djokovic in the Wimbledon final in 2019, missed the Australian Open recovering from knee surgery.

“To my friend and great rival @rafaelnadal, heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles,” posted the 40-year-old on Instagram.

“A few months ago, we were joking about both being on crutches, amazing. Never underestimate a great champion.

“Your incredible work ethic, dedication and fighting spirit are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world.”

Djokovic’s hopes of being the first to 21 were dashed when he was deported from Australia prior to the Grand Slam over vaccination issues.

The 34-year-old Serbian tweeted his congratulations – after he first saluted Ashleigh Barty on her title win on Saturday.

“Amazing achievement. Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time. Enhorabuena (Congratulations).” – AFP, January 31, 2022.