Djokovic, Federer, Keys: Rafael Nadal lauded by pros after historic Australian Open win

A number of tennis stars have lauded Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard claimed a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

Nadal battled back from two sets down against Daniil Medvedev to win a stunning match in almost five and a half hours on the Rod Laver Arena.

US Open champion Medvedev looked on course for his second consecutive major victory at one stage, but the former world number one showed tremendous mental resolve to win the Australian Open for the second time –– 13 years after his first triumph in Melbourne.

The 35-year-old’s achievement is all the more extraordinary when you consider he was almost forced to retire a matter of months ago with a foot injury.

This was just his second competitive tournament in five months, having won a warm-up event at Melbourne Park earlier this year.

But with world number one Novak Djokovic and six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer both absent from the competition, Nadal had the chance to move ahead of his great rivals in terms of Slam victories and made the most of this opportunity.

The Spaniard has been involved in some outstanding finals over the years, including his 2008 Wimbledon triumph and his agonising loss against Djokovic in Melbourne in 2012.

However, speaking afterwards, Nadal described this win as one of the best of his illustrious career as he finally ended a run of four defeats in Australian Open finals.

"Without a doubt, it is one of the most emotional wins of my career,” he stressed.

Unsurprisingly, many tennis stars were quick to congratulate Nadal on his victory, including rivals Federer and Djokovic.

Taking to Instagram, Federer wrote: “What a match. To my friend and great rival Rafael Nadal, heartfelt congratulations on becoming