Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy after winning Mexican Open on February 26, 2022 in Acapulco, Mexico. Photo: VCG
Men's tennis has been a closed shop for some time, at least when it comes to the ATP Tour singles rankings.
While COVID-19 has had an impact on the names on the Grand Slam trophies, the status quo was maintained on the standings thanks to a pandemic freeze.
Until now that is. After Novak Djokovic lost in Dubai, Russia's Daniil Medvedev moved to the top of the rankings - becoming only the third Russian man to do so.
Medvedev's rise to the No.1 spot ended a five-year period where it was occupied by one of Djokovic, Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal.
The last man before any of those three was Britain's Andy Murray back on August 20, 2017. Remarkably, it was 2004 the last time that it was anyone other than Murray, Federer, Djokovic or Nadal at No.1.
"When you're young you feel like it's impossible, so that's why you dream about it," Medvedev said after beating Pablo Andujar in Mexico, knowing that he was set to become No.1 following Djokovic's defeat in Dubai.
"When it becomes closer to you, you dream less about it and do more to achieve it."
Medvedev's reward for beating Andujar was a semifinal spot in Acapulco - and a chance for immediate revenge against Rafael Nadal, who had beaten him in the final of the Australian Open earlier in the year.
Medvedev was two sets up on the Spaniard in Melbourne before Nadal turned it around to win a men's record 21st Grand Slam - one more than Djokovic and Federer.
Nadal won that semi and then beat Britain's Cameron Norrie in the final to keep up his perfect start to the season at 15-0.
It marked his fourth tournament win in Acapulco and, at the age of 35, it sealed his record as the oldest winner of the event. He was also the youngest winner back when he was 18 in 2005.
"Physically I felt very well despite the intense humidity there is in this tournament," Nadal said after beating Norrie. "I've responded well. It's been a long career, when I came the first time everything was new to me and perhaps victories are more valued now than when you're 18. It's incredible to be able to win a tournament like this again at 35."
"Throughout my career as a professional tennis player there are many tournaments that have left an important mark, and I have incredible memories of this place," Nadal added.
While he is still making history, Nadal has no interest in chasing Medvedev down as the world No.1.
"I do not see myself chasing the No.1 position again, unfortunately," Nadal told reporters. "My physical issues prevented me from finishing the season at the top a few more times, and I have different goals today. Chasing the ATP throne would be a mistake at this point in my career.
"I will be thrilled to become world No.1 contender with my light schedule, but I'm not changing my calendar just to get more points. There are many younger players ready to compete throughout the season, and I have to pick my tournaments more carefully."
He is picking them well so far, not least that run to a 21st Slam in Melbourne. Up next is his favorite Slam of all, the French Open. Were he to win that then he might settle the Greatest of All Time conversation.
At least that's the view of Nick Kyrgios, who was impressed with Nadal's comeback at the Australian Open.
"Matchup-wise I think it's a horrible matchup for Rafa. The court's not playing like Rafa wants it to play to win, like. He wasn't gonna get any free points on serve. Medvedev just gonna make him play too much, Medvedev can still serve through the court.
"When he won the first set and then he won the second, I was like it's gonna be very tough for Rafa to come back. I actually saw 3-2, 0-40. Then I turned it on like two and a half hours later and my initial thoughts were 'no f**king way.'
"I have never doubted Rafa that much in his career. I think the GOAT conversation now if he wins French, he's unquestionably the GOAT if he wins French," Kyrgios added.
Nadal missed out on a 14th title at Roland-Garros last year, losing in the semifinal, but he is being tipped for success in Paris.
Tennis legend Boris Becker, a former world No.1, was another impressed by Nadal's win at the Australian Open.
"Rafa has shown once again that he is a fighter, a champion, a formidable personality to play as he did and come back from a very complicated final," the German told RTVE after Nadal's comeback over Medvedev.
"Now he is the most successful tennis player in history, which is remarkable, given that a few weeks ago there were three and now there are only one.
"I'm sure this will affect Novak and Roger, they will both want to win another Grand Slam or even two, as Rafa will be the big favorite for the next Roland Garros," Becker added.
"They are three legends in all respects, I never thought that three players of this level could meet at the same time.
"In my day the record was held by Pete Sampras with 14 Grand Slams, but now there are three players with 20 Grand Slams or more, it is an incredible record that is still difficult to assimilate. An incredible record for the world of tennis, which at the moment is healthier than ever thanks to the three of them, we hope they can continue to compete for many more years."
Time waits for no man, of course, but for the time being Nadal appears to be defying his years. It would be foolish to rule him out of extending his Slam record to 22 at the French Open.