Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev will go to “war” in Sunday’s Australian Open, according to former Spanish No 1 Alex Corretja. Nadal and Medvedev overcame their semi-final opponents on Friday to set up a mouthwatering final in Melbourne. The Spaniard is aiming to overtake Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as the most successful male tennis player of all time.
Medvedev came back from two sets down in his quarter-final win over Felix Auger-Aliassime earlier this week.
He also trailed to Stefanos Tsitsipas in Friday’s semi before coming back to win in four.
Before Medvedev’s victory was confirmed, Corretja revealed his excitement at a potential clash with Nadal.
And he reckons it will be a tough match for Nadal against last year’s US Open champion.
“That would be a war, that would be epic if they played each other,” Corretja told Eurosport.
“They would play long rallies, they’ve played already a final of a Slam a couple of years ago at the US Open, they know each other.
“Daniil has got the experience and he knows that he can win a major already.
“That always gives you an extra power thinking that you can do it again.”
“Definitely it’s normal that they will put an eye on it and see what they do.
“At the end of the day, they have just been growing up together a lot and just been at so many Slams, so I’m sure they will keep an eye on the final.”
Nadal missed the second half of 2021 due to a foot injury.
And he admits he is surprised at the level he has reached across the last fortnight.
“[For] the people from outside it is difficult to believe,” Nadal said.
“But the people who are next to me and watched my condition, lived my diary for the last six months, it’s difficult to understand I could play at this level right now.
“It’s difficult to explain honestly but I feel lucky, I’m playing with a great attitude and positive feelings.
“I feel a little bit alive again in terms of competitive spirit. I missed that feeling.
“I know the pressure is not much for me now, I never believed I would have the chance to be where I am today so I’m just enjoying every single moment and, of course, trying my best.”
