(Melbourne) “I was not ready for this kind of battle, but it was the day to give everything,” admitted Rafael Nadal on Sunday after winning a match in five sets and more than five hours in the final of the Australian Open to clinch 21and Grand Slam title.
Posted at 12:11 p.m.
QUESTION: With your foot injury and all this time spent without competition, did you particularly suffer this evening?
ANSWER: “I was not physically ready for this kind of battle. I hadn’t trained enough to be ready for this. But tonight was very special. I gave absolutely everything I had in me, you can believe me. I am very very tired. I can’t even celebrate (the title). But it was the day when you had to give your all. I had fun, I liked this fight, I liked these emotions. And in addition I have the trophy! Tonight, my foot didn’t hurt at all. I was able to run without any hindrance. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but I was lucky to be able to play freely. I know things can change since my injury is incurable. But I was able to play for a month, that’s already a lot. It was unexpected. So that gives me plenty of energy to continue. I loved being on the court. And now I think I can keep playing for a while. »
Q: If we look at the numbers, you are the greatest male player of all time in Grand Slam tournaments. What do you feel ?
A: “It’s great to win another Grand Slam title at this point in my career. It means a lot and I know that 21 is a special number. I know what he means. It is an unforgettable day. I will never say “I deserve” because a lot of people fight and a lot of people deserve. But I really believe that my state of mind is very positive. In the last six months, I have fought a lot to get back on the courts. I went through very difficult times, I had very tough conversations because we didn’t know if I could return to the circuit. So I feel honoured. I am lucky to have once again achieved something great in my tennis career. I don’t attach great importance to whether or not I’m the best in history. Honestly, today I don’t care a bit. For me, the important thing is to enjoy evenings like this. Yeah, that means a lot to me. More than winning my second Australian Open, more than anything. »
Q: Is this your greatest success?
A: “The most unexpected in any case! I know what I went through to get here. I’m physically destroyed, I can’t really think, I don’t remember the match well. The public support was immense. I was overwhelmed with emotions throughout the game. This 21and Grand Slam title gave me more emotions than the first one (Roland-Garros 2005). there is no doubt. At the end of the career, we appreciate these moments better because we know that there is less chance that they will come back. So yes, I’m proud, the personal satisfaction is greater than years ago. »
Q: Despite all these difficult times, what made you achieve this feat?
A: “The love of the game, the passion, a positive attitude and a desire to work. And the good people by my side, who helped me every day. »
Statements taken at a press conference