Rafa Nadal's Aus Open glory as unbelievable as Novak Djokovic drama as GOAT race changes

A crazy Australian Open which started with the drawn-out deportation of Novak Djokovic ended with a men's singles final which was just as unbelievable. And after five hours and 24 minutes of more high court drama, Rafael Nadal took the lead in the GOAT race by breaking the Grand Slam record and the spirit of Daniil Medvedev.

The Spaniard, 35, may have asked for a chair during the presentation ceremony in the early hours of the Melbourne morning but there is no doubting the extraordinary stamina of this amazing athlete who feared his career was over only two months ago due to the chronic foot injury.

Nor his undiminished will to win after he needed to save three break points at 2-3 in the third set when the end appeared nigh.

But cheered on by a boisterous Aussie crowd, the Spanish superstar outlasted the world No 2 who is 10 years his junior to win 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5.

Thirteen breaks of serves, ridiculous rallies and a court invasion by a protester. This final had everything until Nadal took his first match point with a backhand volley at 1.11am local time.

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"If we put everything together, the scenario, the momentum, what it means, yeah, without a doubt it was probably the biggest comeback of my tennis career," said Nadal.

"And the title win was the most unexpected without a doubt. And most surprising I think for everyone. For you guys, too. For me personally, especially. It has been a very emotional night.

"It's just amazing now being gone one month and a half ago I didn't know if I will be able to be back on the tour playing tennis again.

"The way that I achieved this trophy tonight has been just unforgettable, one of the most emotional