'A final of Herculean proportions' - reaction to Rafael Nadal's epic Australian Open triumph

«It was a final of Herculean proportions.»

The great Rod Laver spoke for us all after Rafael Nadal came from two sets down to win the Australian Open final, beating world number two Daniil Medvedev to clinch a record 21st Grand Slam title.

It came after an exhausting five hours and 24 minutes of high-octane, nerve-shredding action, which made it the second-longest major final in history.

Few could believe what they were witnessing as the 35-year-old Spaniard dug deeper than deep to deliver one of the greatest performances of his career to edge ahead of long-time rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the race for supremacy.

It was an even more stunning achievement given Nadal feared his career could be over as he struggled to overcome a foot problem last year.

«It is a goal that seemed utterly ludicrous in December when he didn't know whether his foot would be strong enough to be able to play at this Australian Open — or even to continue his career,» BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

«And then Covid struck before Christmas. In terms of what Nadal has overcome to win this 21st title, this is the best. It is surely the greatest triumph of his sporting career. History has been written in Melbourne.»

Fellow BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Gigi Salmon added: «It's quite simply unbelievable. No player in the Open Era had ever won the Australian Open title from two sets down. The last time Nadal managed that feat was back in 2007.

»It is incredible to think what Nadal has achieved. The fact that he has reached 21 is truly, truly extraordinary. He fights, he scraps and he is once again a Grand Slam champion."

There was no shortage of praise for Nadal following his achievement, though perhaps the messages