“Or one has 23 and the others have 21. We have done great things for our sport and we have achieved our dreams, and we enjoy it, no. And I feel lucky to be part of this era, that has been very special.”
Nadal had won the Australian Open in 2009 but had lost four finals since, including five-setters to Djokovic in 2012 – the longest in Grand Slam history at five hours and 53 minutes – and Federer in 2017.
“I remember the final with Roger and the final with Novak in 2012, it was longer than this year but I was more prepared. I was ten years younger and at the same time I was able to have the right practises before. This year was different, I was not ready to hold matches like yesterday, but I did my best, gave 100%. I am very proud and in some way very lucky.
“It was super difficult but the satisfaction is just impossible to describe.”
