Rafael Nadal has congratulated Novak Djokovic on the “amazing achievement” of matching his record tally of 22 grand slam titles by winning the Australian Open on Sunday.
Djokovic and Nadal share the record for the most major tournaments won by a male player after the 35-year-old beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5) at Melbourne Park.
The Serbian superstar also returned to the top of the rankings by being crowned Australian Open champion for a record-extending 10th time.
Djokovic and Nadal will head to the French Open in May eyeing major triumph number 23.
Spaniard Nadal, who will be out for around eight weeks due to a hip injury he aggravated during a second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald in Melbourne, posted on Instagram: “Amazing achievement Nole @djokernole Many congrats to you and your team!
“Well deserved. Enjoy Nole!”
Swiss great Roger Federer, a winner of 20 major titles before retiring last year, also saluted Djokovic?in?an Instagram story on Sunday: “Incredible effort, again! Many congratulations.”?
The legendary Margaret Court leads the way with 24 major singles titles, while Serena Williams racked up 23 in her incredible career.