The Russian, who was a finalist at the Australian Open 2022, will be officially crowned the new men's No.1 on Monday.
The 34-year-old fell short against 123rd-ranked Jiri Vesely, losing the match 6-4, 7-6 in one hour and 57 minutes.
This was the Spaniard’s first tournament since winning a history-making 21st Grand Slam at the Australian Open last month.
Rafael Nadal's rivalries with Novak Djokovic and roger Federer are legendary.
Rafael Nadal became the first male player to win 21 singles Grand Slams titles, eclipsing both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
The final scoreline read 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena, as the Spaniard became the first man to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles.
Rafael Nadal has won his 21st Grand Slam title and that has tilted the balance in the Greatness debate in the Spaniard's case.
His second Grand Slam trophy in Melbourne turns out to be the one that helps him to leapfrog two of his main competitors – Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Two stars – Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev – shone the brightest past midnight on Monday at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne in the men’s singles final at Austr...
On Sunday, Rafael Nadal beat Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 to win Grand Slam number 21.