On Sunday, either one man will be the first person in the history of tennis to win 21 Grand Slam titles, or there will be a new world number one in the sport.
There can only be two outcomes.
History is indeed on the line.
For Rafa Nadal, often the people’s champion, alongside Roger Federer, his popularity with the fans runs deep. And the Spaniard has often battled adversity in his career, but possibly making the final after being out of the sport for 6 months with a foot injury and COVID, is another remarkable achievement.
Novak Djokovic and Federer spurned both their opportunities, Wimbledon 2019 and the 2021 US Open to win a 21st Grand Slam.
Will Nadal make the same mistake?
Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev is seen as the most in-form player in the world right now.
After winning last year’s US Open, he is into consecutive Grand Slam finals and back-to-back Australian Open finals, making it his fourth major final.
Although, he can be considered fortunate to still be in Melbourne after being thoroughly outplayed by Felix Auger Aliassime for most of the match, down two sets to love, and a match point.
Medvedev has been unpopular this tournament, with his irate reaction to the crowd after his win over Nick Kyrgios, whilst also complaining about not being on Rod Laver Arena, after his win over American Maxime Cressy.
He also mouthed off at the umpire during his semi-final win over Stefanos Tsitsipas.
It’s clear there are often theatrics with Medvedev, who might be temperamental, but none of these things will deter him on Sunday when it comes to playing Nadal on the big stage.
I caught up with our writers to see what the lowdown was on who they think will be victorious in Melbourne.
Tony Fairbairn:
Rafael Nadal has done well in this tournament with his serve and being clutch in crucial moments.
But he will need to ensure the points are short if he is to stand a chance of winning this one.
The longer the match goes on the more it will favour Daniil Medvedev, as his ability to outlast opponents and create space on the court has been on another level.
Although Nadal had the tactical advantage, Medvedev will have the physical advantage, as history beckons for both.
Prediction: Medvedev in five sets.
Diego Sampaolo
Daniil Medvedev has lived up to his favourite role so far by showing his ability to win hard-fought matches at this year’s Australian Open.
But Nadal is able to play his best tennis in big finals.
If Nadal manages to win a record 21st Grand Slam title, he could make a major comeback like Roger Federer in 2017.
Prediction: I predict that Medvedev will win the final showdown in five sets after a big battle.
This is such a tough one to call. The heart wants Rafa to win as he has had such a hard time in Australian Open finals, he finally deserves some luck in the twilight of his career to win again Down Under for the first time since 2009.
In 2014, he was injured, otherwise he would have most certainly beaten Stan Wawrinka. And against Federer in 2017, he was 3-1 up in the fifth against his rival and good friend.
Nadal seems like a man reborn though. Free of pressure. He is the underdog in this one and I think he knows that.
As he has said in his post-match interviews, he feels fortunate just to be playing tennis again.
It would be some comeback if he wins on Sunday after everything that has happened to him. But the head says Medvedev, simply because he is young and hungry.
He is often unpopular but he doesn’t care and he wants to be the best in the sport.
I think this match will go the distance, like it did in New York in 2019, where the Spaniard came out on top.
Prediction: It would be nice for Nadal to win after his injury woes but I’m going to say Medvedev in five.
