Rafael Nadal won the year's opening Grand Slam at the Australian Open, fending off Daniil Medvedev, who looked to be on the verge of securing the title. The epic come-from-behind victory gave Rafa the all-time lead in Grand Slams among male tennis players, granting him the momentary edge over rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. The Spaniard remains undefeated, 15-0, on the season after his latest victory at Acapulco, which saw him claim his record-tying fourth title at the venue. Nadal could be on the verge of his greatest season yet. Here's why.

Admittedly, the competition isn't as strong as it could be for Nadal this year. Djokovic may not play in any of the remaining slams due to his vaccine stance. Federer is only getting older and still battling injury. That means that Nadal may only have to contend with the likes of Medvedev and the rest of tennis' young rising stars. Certainly a tough challenge, but those players, aside from Medvedev, have very little Grand Slam finals experience.

This means that Nadal, who has won an incredible 13 French Opens, will be a very sure bet to win that title once again this year. If Rafa can stay unbeaten up until the French, that would mean he would very likely be carrying a perfect record into the grass-court season, unless he declines to participate in it. If Nadal can win the French and one of Wimbledon and the US Open, he will have secured three of the four Grand Slam titles for just the second time in his career.

Three of the four main Grand Slam titles would be an awfully impressive achievement, even if Djokovic and Federer are not around to prevent him from securing them. If a 35-year-old Nadal accomplishes this feat, it has to be considered one of the most impressive things he's ever achieved on the tour.

If Rafa can dominate the Slams, finish with an excellent win-loss record and secure the ATP Finals trophy, something that has eluded him in years past, then tennis will have to look at this season as not just one of Rafa's greatest yet.

Tennis might have to consider it the greatest season ever authored by the great Rafael Nadal.