Rafael Nadal celebrates historic Australian Open win over Daniil Medvedev as he secures record 21st major

Rafael Nadal has described his epic, five-set victory in the Australian Open men's final as probably the «biggest comeback» of his outstanding career.

The Spaniard appeared to be in a hopeless situation when he trailed Russia's Daniil Medvedev two sets to love in the final on Rod Laver Arena.

Remarkably, the 35-year-old forced his way back into the match to eventually triumph, 2-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in 5 hours and 24 minutes.

Nadal did not secure the championship until after 1am AEDT, with the victory giving him a men's record 21st major singles title.

It was his second Australian Open tournament win, 13 years after his first.

Rafael Nadal clinches a famous victory over Daniil Medvedev in the men's final at Melbourne Park to win a record 21st major.

«If we put everything together — the scenario, the momentum, what it means — without a doubt, it's probably been the biggest comeback of my tennis career,» Nadal said at his post-match media conference.

He said the key to his win was maintaining self-belief.

«I just wanted to keep believing until the end,» he said.

«I just wanted to give myself a chance. That's what I did.»

Nadal had revealed in his presentation speech on Rod Laver Arena that he had concerns prior to the tournament that it could be his last Australian Open campaign.

His build-up had not run smoothly, as the former world number one was still managing the foot injury that saw him end his 2021 season prematurely last August.

He also tested positive to COVID-19 in December.

Nadal said the challenges he faced to even compete in Melbourne added to the significance of his victory.

«The way that I won this trophy tonight has been just unforgettable,» he said.

«It was one of the most emotional matches of my tennis career,