Rafael Nadal lauded for 'superhuman' efforts in winning Australian Open by Monte Carlo Masters director Zeljko Franulov

The tournament director for the Monte Carlo Masters has praised Rafael Nadal’s “superhuman” efforts in winning the 2022 Australian Open. Nadal came from two sets down in an epic final to beat Daniil Medvedev and claim a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title. Ad/> The success came just a month after Nadal had returned to the ATP Tour, having missed the second half of 2021 with a foot injury.

TennisNadal 'in the mood' for the clay-court season — Corretja4 HOURS AGO «What Rafael Nadal did in Australia, to me, is worthy of a Netflix movie,” Zeljko Franulovic told Var-Martin. “I've never seen that. It is something superhuman.

Nadal has extraordinary mental strength. Corretja: Nadal in the mood for clay season 'Terrible for tennis' — Shriver on Djokovic vaccine decision »We must not forget Daniil, who had an equally incredible match. It takes two for [a match like that]." Medvedev looked to be on course for his second Grand Slam title in a row after establishing a commanding lead on Rod Laver Arena.

But Nadal roared back to move one ahead of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in the all-time Grand Slam standings. Nadal could next play alongside Medvedev in Acapulco on February 21, although he is yet to confirm his schedule after Melbourne. There are also two Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami in March before attentions turn to the clay, with Monte Carlo the curtain-raiser for the change of surface.

Franulovic has no doubts that Nadal will be in Monte Carlo, a tournament he has won 11 times. «For me, there is no need to even announce it,» he said. «He will be there, it is one of his favourite tournaments and ideal in his preparation for Roland Garros.