Roger Federer says he and Rafael Nadal have been joking about each being on crutches just some months in the past as he congratulated him on his Australian Open win.

Nadal beat Daniil Medvedev in an unimaginable Grand Slam last on Sunday to surpass the 20 titles that each Federer and Novak Djokovic have gained.

Federer is at present out of the sport with a knee harm, with Nadal lacking a lot of final season with a foot harm.

“What a match,” Federer wrote on Instagram after the Australian Open last.

“To my buddy and nice rival Rafael Nadal, heartfelt congratulations on turning into the primary man to win 21 Grand Slam singles tiles.

“A number of months in the past we have been joking about each being on crutches. Superb.

“By no means underestimate a fantastic champion. Your unimaginable work ethic, dedication and preventing spirit are an inspiration to me and numerous others world wide.

“I’m proud to share this period with you and honoured to play a task in pushing you to attain extra, as you’ve got completed for me for the previous 18 years.

“I’m positive you’ve got extra achievements forward however for now take pleasure in this one!”

Rafael Nadal will now be favorite to win a twenty second main on the French Open, the place he’s probably the most profitable participant within the historical past of the match.

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