Rafael Nadal recovered from his opening round-robin defeat to beat Daniil Medvedev in three sets at the ATP Finals.
The 19-time Grand Slam champion, who lost to Alexander Zverev on Monday, won 6-7(3), 6-3, 7-6(4) to keep alive his hopes of a semifinal place. He was 5-1 down in the deciding set when he saved a match point and rallied to victory.
Honestly, I have been super lucky, that’s the real thing. Sorry to Daniil, it is a tough loss, he was playing much better than me in the third.
Today is one of these things where one out of 1000 you win. I can’t thank all of you guys for the support it means a lot to me.
At 5-3, when you have the first break then you are only one break away.
I know from personal experience how tough it is to close the matches, especially when you are two breaks in front and lose the first one. After the first one I thought I had a chance. In general terms, I played much better than two days ago so that’s a positive thing for me.
I have had lots of years on the tour, I love this sport, I love playing in these amazing stadiums. That’s the biggest motivation possible. It’s impossible not to fight when you have amazing support like this.
Before today’s clash at the O2 Arena, the last time Rafa and Daniil met was in the final of the US Open two months ago, and our champ was victorious in five sets.
Our champ will play Stefanos Tsitsipas in his final round-robin match of the tournament.
More to follow…
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain acknowledges the fans as he walks out prior to his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal walks on to court on day four of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena, London. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal in action against Daniil Medvedev on day four of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena, London. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain serves in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal in action against Daniil Medvedev during their singles match on day four of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena, London. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal in action against Daniil Medvedev during their singles match on day four of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena, London. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain takes a drink in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal reacts during his singles match against Daniil Medvedev on day four of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena, London. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal in action against Daniil Medvedev during their singles match on day four of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena, London. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal in action against Daniil Medvedev during their singles match on day four of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena, London. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal reacts during his singles match against Daniil Medvedev on day four of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena, London. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal tucking into some snacks during his match against Daniil Medvedev during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Fountain – CameraSport via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal in thought during his match against Daniil Medvedev during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Fountain – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal runs to return against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev during their men’s singles round-robin match on day four of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London on November 13, 2019. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning the second set against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev during their men’s singles round-robin match on day four of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London on November 13, 2019. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal reacts to a tie-break during his singles match against Daniil Medvedev on day four of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena, London. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain serves in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal in action against Daniil Medvedev during their singles match on day four of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena, London. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Daniil Medvedev of Russia wait for a Hawkeye review of a challenged line call on match point of their match during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Daniil Medvedev of Russia embrace at the net after their singles match during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory after his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates his victory over Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates his victory over Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory after his singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev during their men’s singles round-robin match on day four of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London on November 13, 2019. – Nadal won 6-7, 6-3, 7-6. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates his victory over Daniil Medvedev of Russia during Day Four of the Nitto ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 Arena on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal signs a camera after winning his match against Daniil Medvedev on day four of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena, London. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal leaves the court after defeating Daniil Medvedev on day four of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena, London. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
Watching the match in Australia so time is two, three, four in the morning. Praying and praying and praying that Rafa can turn this around. Was looking like my prayers were not going to be answered and then peeping through half closed eyes suddenly it started to change and my prayers were answered. Thankyou God and thankyou Rafa. I was able to go to bed at around four in the morning happy and content. Love you Rafa.❤❤❤ This is yours for the asking.🏆🎖👍🎈👌💕😘😘
I understand that Rafa plays Tsitsipas on Friday but but after that match I am not clear what’s next.
What follows is Ricky’s [The Grandstand] take on Friday’s matches for Group A.
“An Alexander Zverev win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Wednesday’s nightcap would have made things straightforward for Group A the rest of the way: Zverev advancing, Medvedev getting eliminated, and Nadal vs. Tsitsipas being a virtual quarterfinal.”
“But that is not what happened; not at all. Tsitsipas routed Zverev 6-3, 6-2, sending the 21-year-old Greek through to the semis while postponing the fates of Zverev, Nadal, and Medvedev until Friday. “
“Zverev simply needs to beat Medvedev and he gets a spot on semifinal Saturday.”
“Nadal requires a defeat of Tsitsipas combined with a Medvedev win over Zverev.”
“Medvedev not only has to beat Zverev in straight sets but also needs Tsitsipas to come out on top against Nadal.”
But Margo, will good, old Daniil Medvedev just open his eyes and allow himself to be roundly thrashed by everybody without winning a match?
It is not impossible though, but i don’t see that happening to Medvedev. And I think he’s beginning to wake up, only that Nadal sent him back to sleep.
But, as always, we go step by step………..
I don’t know Maria. He may be feeling a little down. There are reports that his parents were not granted entry to the UK and he very much VALUES his cheering committee. It’s possible that they are now in London but I didn’t check to see if they were granted a visa, if that’s what it’s called.
His on-court behavior was less than professional during his LOSS [bigly loss, LOL] to Rafa so my sympathies are NOT with Medvedev.
RafAMAZING ROCKS
Rafael Nadal-never underestimate that heart and desire to win. Ubaldo perhaps fired him up-who ever heard Rafa swear before? At least in English. You are amazing. Way to channel that energy into a positive victory.. Keep that🔥blazing. All the best in the next match.👍👏💪🤛🎾❤️
Zverev just got creamed by Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-2.
Great going for Tsitsipas, very happy for him.
But, my guy Stefanos, remember what Rafa did to you at the AO earlier in the year, when you questioned your very existence? Get ready for some deja vu 🙂 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Was moping around the house at one time.
What a relief!!!! Amazing and also how nice to hear Rafa’s honest, humble and realistic remarks! Bravo!!!!
Go on Rafa!!!
VAMOS! Cmon!!!
LOL and I was sitting with an unbelievable upset stomach, watching and hoping for a MIRACLE, saying to myself if anyone can make a comeback of this magnitude Rafa can. I join your and other fans’ happiness in this breathtaking victory.
I didn’t give up on Rafa. I kept saying to the screen, ‘You’re a champion. You’re a champion’. He IS a champion, in so many ways.
And he heard us🤗
RafAMAZING ROCKS
RafAMAZING has gone viral for the second time this week. Here’s what his 5-1 comeback is being called:
A COMEBACK FOR THE AGES
INCREDIBLE
EXTRAORDINARY
MIRACULOUS
AMAZING
ROARS BACK TO BEAT MEDVEDEV FROM THE BRINK OF DEFEAT
STUNNING
RAFAMAZING ROCKS
– Don’t forget, brilliant and absolutly awesome… 😄😍🤩👏🏻
VAMOS RAFA! – YOU ROCK! 🎾💪🏼🥰🍀
Yes, yes, and
RaFANTASTIC and
RafAMAZING
O my just seem, 5-1 it’s over and Mach point down.amazing Rafa congratulations well don is not over intel is over vamossssssssss champ well don AMAZING TENNIS 🎾 🎾🎾💪💪💪👍👍👍❤️😘❤️
BEAUTIFUL MATCH PHOTOS!!!!!!!:)
VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:) CONGRATULATIONS PRECIOUS RAFA ON YOUR BRILLIANT VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:) ENJOY EVERYTHING AND CELEBRATE WITH YOUR LOVED ONES!!!!!!!!!!:) YOU PLAYED A BRIGHT GORGEOUS MATCH AND ALL ALONG YOUR STRONG POWERFUL PRESENCE WAS AN INDICATOR OF YOUR BRILLIANCE!!!!!!!!!:) YOUR BLESSED FOCUS AND DESIRE TO WIN WAS IN EACH POINT YOU PLAYED!!!!!!!!!!!!!:) OUR FAMILY, NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS SENDING LOVE AND WE ARE ALL VERY HAPPY FOR YOU AND HIGHLY RESPECT YOUR CLASSY EXTRAORDINARY BEAUTIFUL TENNIS!!!!!!!!:) WI…….WI…….WI……..AND CI……..CI……..CI………!!!!!:) ENJOY A GREAT EVENING AND A BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:) KEEP GOING AND KEEP ENJOYING EVERYTHING SWEETHEART !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:) GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!!!:) WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:) KEEP SMILING SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:) WE ARE WATCHING YOUR REPLAYS WITH SUCH JOY!!!!!!!!!!!!:) XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
I could only follow the scores today, thrilled when Rafa won the second set then couldn’t check again until it was 0-4, then 1-5. I thought it was impossible for him to win. I couldn’t believe it when I went back to the app and there was the wonderful green tick next to Rafa’s name! So happy!
Wow what a match, i almost quit watching when it was 5-1. I didnt want to see him lose. But so happy I didn’t, it was just amazing . A lot of PLAYERS would have just given up with that score, but not our guy. Seeing Rafa in those pink and blue colors, i keep thinking, is he thinking about starting his family.
Your opening paragraph is incorrect. Rafa did not beat Medvedev in straight sets. It wouldn’t have been the thriller it was, if he had.
Outstanding to be The Number One once again, you´re enormous Great Rafa, believe it, because I have already done so. Congratulation, I don´t know for the many times, C. Javier from The Canaries
Great comeback from Rafa. What a wonderful match.
Honestly Rafa should have won this in 2 sets, but the first set tiebreak got away from him.
No matter… A little drama never hurt anybody:) So proud of our champ.
Looking forward to tomorrow… Hoping Rafa’s old buddy Roger gets some revenge for what happened in Wimbledon and do us a big favor as well;)
Medvedev… I can only imagine what he must be feeling.
But, well done Rafa! Now go ahead and win the whole tournament why don’t you, you beautiful creature!!
The Greatest That ever lived
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! Never count our boy out!!! What a comeback in the 3rd!!!
So proud of you Rafa!!!
Rafa! You are number 1! You will win this
Tournament and keep the number 1 in the world! Great match!!
Vamos Rafa!!!
Rafa, I guess marriage agrees
with you afterall! LOL!
Congratulations to Rafa!!!👏👏👏
I should be able to get some sleep now😴
Gratulacje Rafa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To jest naprawdę Wielki gracz.Wspaniały skromny tenisista.Uwielbiam go za wszystko.Jest taki skromny,pokorny.
Rafa! You are number 1! You will win this
Tournament and keep the number in the world! Great match!!
Vamos Rafa!!!
Was it ever in doubt? 😀😀😀
Yes it was hahaha not gonna lie 🙂
Rafa does amazing things.
ENHORABUENA!!! Rafa p artido d infarto.. Cerraba y abria los ojos.. Pero felicitaciones por tu remontada.. Un jugador como tu puede hacer eso..suerte para el próximo.. SIEMPRE CONTIGO!!
YES, RAFA MAKES MIRACLES HAPPEN
Rafa,your never say die attitude is simply unique.I think only Jimmy Corners will match you in this quality.Now go and win against Pstitsipas and you are in the Semis.Good luck & Vamos Rafa!
What a champion!!!!! Be proud of yourself, take rest, take confidence out of it and than go for it. The tournament starts now <3
Vamos Rafa <3
RAFA THE MIRACLE MAKER
I cannot believe what I’ve just seen! 5-1 and match point down. Love Rafa so much!