I purposely did not start my laptop while I was watching it, simply to avoid the chance of seeing the result by mistake. The thrill was superb: the first set to Medvedev was great quality by him, then Rafa about to win the second and losing it, and then watching him keep trying over and over and always thinking (me, not him) "he can't make it, he is gassed". And over and over coming up with one more shot, one more get, one more long game. Then he serves for the match and can't get it, and he still keeps trying.
It was a perfect lesson, to any and all young players, that it is never over. That in tennis, you are only out of the match when the umpire says "Game, set and match, your opponent".
Should be mandatory view at any tennis academy. And I don't know how many young players should be forced to watch it and be told "you see? But no, you tank the match. And that is why you are you, and he is Rafa Nadal".
Problem is, I don't think this can be taught. You are either Rafa* and have it in your blood, or you are Marcelo Rios and decide to tank when it gets tough.
Off Topic
Or Ferrer, or Connors, or Hewitt. On the women's side, Evert, Steffi, Monica, Martina I. He is amazing but we have had great examples in the past too.