Rafael Nadal won't play the Australian Open, but we've still got the memories

Rafael Nadal’s return to tennis was cut short just after just three matches Down Under. Fans worldwide are both saddened and relieved, heartbroken and hopeful.

They’ll still tune in to the Australian Open, with heavy hearts, and think about what might have been. And, perhaps, look back. From the most competitive five-setters to the most emotional victories, there is a lot to appreciate about the roller coaster that is Nadal’s Australian Open journey.

Before we get to the big event, let’s take a look back at five memorable Melbourne moments from Rafa over the years:

2009: Nadal's first Australian Open title

The sport’s most treasured rivalry met for the seventh time in a seventh major final in Melbourne in 2009. Nadal had won four times to Federer's two, but considering Nadal’s marathon semifinal triumph (a 5:14 win over Fernando Verdasco) and Federer's three previous titles Down Under, fans were expecting a Swiss knockout.

Instead, this 4:23 five-set showdown had the stadium on edge from the onset. The momentum shifted from set to set, with Federer taking the fourth, 6-3, to force a decider. But a stunning 6-2 final set earned Nadal his first Aussie crown.

2010: The Calendar Slam that could have been

This was the first time since their five-setter in 2007—their first-ever meeting—that Andy Murray and Nadal faced each other at the Australian Open. Nadal earned his way into the semifinals back then; this time, it was Murray who moved on. But instead of a repeat five-setter, Nadal had to retire two sets down and 3-0 in the third from incredible knee pain.

This was not the first time nor the last (clearly) that Nadal’s Australian Open run was cut short due to injury. But it didn't keep Rafa down for long: Nadal would go on to win the remaining three majors of the year.

2012: Melbourne marathon

An incredible five hours and 53 minutes went by as Novak Djokovic and Nadal battled...and battled...and battled. It was only fitting, after the longest Grand Slam final in history, that both players wouldn’t be able to hold themselves together during the trophy presentation. They rocked back and forth to alleviate their bodies’ lethargy, with Nadal leaning on the net for support. Eventually two chairs were brought out for the players before the trophy presentation continued.

2015: The Ball Boy's Water Bottle Routine

Nadal’s perfectionist rituals on court are iconic. One of his many notable routines is his water bottle placement during changeovers. During his fourth-round match against Kevin Anderson in 2015, this routine was tested by none other than the weather.

The wind conditions were picking up, so much so that in the third set, it was strong enough to knock over Nadal’s sitting area. As the ball boy ran over to reset the court, he made sure to take his time resetting Nadal’s water bottles, trying to get them as close to perfectly placed as possible.

2022: Nadal's second Australian Open title

With Djokovic’s literal deportation out of Australia for his stance against COVID-19 vaccination, the draw was wide open for newcomers to make a deep run. Not so fast, said Nadal. His health was a question, but the 35-year-old battled his way into the final, where he would face world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev.

Two sets in, and the match looked over: Medvedev was closing in on victory. Then, vintage Rafa answered, forcing a decider. At the end of the 7-5 fifth set, Nadal secured his 21^st Grand Slam title, edging him past Federer.