The most unexpected win of Nadal's career saw him claim an epic Australian Open final victory and a men's record 21st Grand Slam title.
The 35-year-old Spaniard fought back from two sets down to beat the Russian.
Last year, Nadal feared his career was over because of a foot injury.
He said it was the biggest comeback of his tennis career.
A bout of coronaviruses in December left Nadal very sick and he only played one tournament in the final seven months of the year.
The Australian Open was his second competitive event in five months after he won a warm-up tournament.
For the last six months, I really fought a lot to be back on the court.
There have been very difficult moments. You don't know if I will be on the tour, so there have been tough conversations.
In the absence of Novak and Roger, Nadal has moved one ahead of them in the all-time list of players with the most major singles titles.
While eager to win as many Grand Slam titles as possible, Nadal has often said he is not motivated by beating the other two.
He said after the Australian Open final that it was amazing to achieve another Grand Slam. I know it is a special number.
I know the significance of this title. I feel fortunate to have achieved one more special thing in my tennis career.
I don't care if I am one of the best in history or not. I don't care much.
Djokovic congratulated Nadal on his "amazing achievement" and "impressive fighting spirit", while Federer offered his "heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles".
A few months ago we were joking about both being on crutches. Don't underestimate a great champion.
13 years after his first Australian Open title, Nadal won his second on Sunday.
His victory against the US Open champion took five hours and 24 minutes. The second seed could not return a net volley on the first of the Spaniard's three match points.
It was the second longest Grand Slam final in history, 30 minutes shorter than the 2012 final, when Nadal lost to Djokovic.
When the trophy presentation began, Nadal had to sit on a chair.
It is the most unexpected title. He said it was the most surprising for everyone.
It has been an emotional night. I'm destroyed physically even now. I can not think much. I don't remember a lot of the match.
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