MIKE DICKSON: Rafael Nadal pulled off a sensational victory in the Australian Open final to put himself ahead in the great Grand Slam race. The 35 year-old Spaniard scored arguably the most dramatic win of his career by coming back to beat Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5 before a delirious crowd in Melbourne. With the time past 1am he clinched it with a high backhand volley to take the final in five hours and 24 minutes. It was an astonishing feat, both of stamina and tactical acumen as he called on his sliced backhand and dropshots.