Daniil Medvedev backtracks on Novak Djokovic claim ahead of Rafael Nadal Aus Open final

Daniil Medvedev has appeared to backpedal on his GOAT statement from the US Open. When the world No 2 defeated Novak Djokovic in the final, he branded the Serb the "greatest player in history". He now takes on Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final, and has left his verdict on the GOAT debate more wide open.

Medvedev is bidding to become the first man in the Open Era to back up his maiden Grand Slam title win with a second successive one in Sunday's final.

He reached the Australian Open final in 2021 but lost to Djokovic in straight sets but it was a reversal of fortunes when he met the world No 1 once again in the US Open final, defeating him 6-4 6-4 6-4.

The 25-year-old previously faced Nadal in his first Grand Slam final at the 2019 US Open, won by the Spaniard in five sets, and he will be hoping to once again turn things around in their second clash at a Major.

Nadal will make history as the first male singles player to win a record 21st Grand Slam title if he wins the final in Melbourne, but Medvedev is no stranger to putting history on hold.

Djokovic was going for the elusive 21st major as well as the Calendar Grand Slam when he faced Medvedev in New York last year but it was the Russian who left him on 20 titles, with the Serb falling at the final hurdle.

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Speaking after the match, the world No 2 made a big statement and left the crowd in shock when he dubbed Djokovic the GOAT during his victory speech.

"First of all I want to say sorry because we all know what he was going for today, what he has accomplished this year and throughout your career," the US Open champion said.

"I have never said this to anybody but I will say it right