Roger Federer beats old rival Rafael Nadal to win Australian Open

Federer came back from a break down in the fifth set to take the match, becoming the first man in history to win 18 Grand Slam singles title and the first man to win at least five titles at three different Grand Slam tournaments. He actually did it.

SERENA’S NEXT GOAL?: Serena Williams felt like it took a “really long time” to win her 23rd Grand Slam title and break her tie with Steffi Graf on the all-time major victor list, so she wants to enjoy the victory and not look ahead.

And after seeing the sun rise over Melbourne, then celebrating some more with his children as they woke up in his family’s hotel suite, the man many call the greatest tennis player ever looked ahead from this stunning comeback title and spoke of adding yet another at this year’s Wimbledon.

Federer said his belief was also based on the fact that until his injury, he was still competing well, reaching two grand slam finals in 2015 and two semi-finals in 2016.

They were nearly right, too, but keeping greatness like this down is a tall task.

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar saw the epic Australian open final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in bits and pieces but says he knows what was going through them throughout the contest.

At Wimbledon, Federer entered the tournament not only as the four-time defending champion, but also riding a 48-match winning streak on grass.

“That’s where both, I guess, Rafa and myself said, ‘OK, enough of this already”.

Just when it seemed their stars were fading into the distance, Federer and Nadal gave us fans one more grand performance, one more exhilarating final, and this time it was to be Federer’s crowning glory in a glittering career full of triumphs and monumental victories.

“Mirka doesn’t want to be away from me, and I don’t want to be away from her”, Federer had once said in an interview. “There are no draws but if there would be one I would be happy to accept one and share it with Rafa really”, was Federer’s candid confession after the match.

“Him and a couple more players have done the most to do that to me because the way his game stacks up with me, it’s a tricky one”. The Williams sisters faced-off once again with Serena taking home her 23rd Grand Slam title. I think I’ve led the way for 20 years. But that came at a heavy price – at an whooping 25,000 Australian dollars (Rs 12, 80, 420), or $18,900, for the men’s final.