‘Amazing achievement’ – Novak Djokovic congratulates Rafael Nadal on record-breaking Australian Open win

Novak Djokovic has congratulated Rafael Nadal on his stunning and record-breaking Australian Open victory.

Nadal won a record 21st Grand Slam men’s title and moved one ahead of great rivals Djokovic and Roger Federer with an incredible comeback win over Daniil Medvedev.

The Spaniard was two sets down against US Open champion Medvedev but rallied superbly to win 2-6 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-4 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena.

Nadal lifted his second Australian Open – and first since 2009 – in the absence of Djokovic, who was deported from Melbourne earlier in the month, and Federer, who is struggling with a knee injury.

Djokovic arrived in Australia on January 6 hoping to defend his Australian Open title and enter a league of his own in regards to Grand Slam wins.

But the 34-year-old was deported on the eve of the tournament after losing a court bid to overturn his visa cancellation.

Reacting to Nadal’s victory in Melbourne, Djokovic said on social media: ‘Congratulations to @RafaelNadal for 21st GS. Amazing achievement. Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time.

<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>Congratulations to @RafaelNadal for 21st GS. Amazing achievement. Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time. Enhorabuena ððð @Medwed33 gave it his all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him. pic.twitter.com/DsOvK8idNc

‘@Medwed33 gave it his all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him.’

Nine-time Australian Open champion Djokovic also hailed Ashleigh Barty after she ended the home nation’s 44-year wait for a Grand Slam women’s singles champion.

Barty, who won Wimbledon last summer, defeated Danielle Collins 6-3 7-6 (7-2)