Rafael Nadal spent his entire career looking up to Roger Federer in the major race.
Nadal now stands alone as Grand Slam king.
More: Nadal Rallies to Record 21st Grand Slam
The 35-year-old Spaniard delivered the greatest comeback of his career rallying from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev in a pulsating Australian Open final for his men's record 21st Grand Slam title. Nadal is the first man in Open Era history to rally from two sets down and win the Australian Open final.
Federer praised Nadal's record run in this Instagram post:
The 40-year-old Federer, recovering from his fourth knee surgery, paid tribute to his rival's historic flight in an Instagram post.
"To my great friend and rival, Rafa Nadal. From the bottom of my heart I congratulate you on being the first man to reach 21 Grand Slams singles," Federer wrote in an Instagram post. "A few months ago, we were joking about both being on crutches. Amazing. Never underestimate a great champion."
The sixth-seeded Nadal's second Australian Open championship comes 13 years after he fought off Fernando Verdasco and Federer in back-to-back five-set thrillers to win his maiden Melbourne title.
Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve