Roger Federer became the first man to win 20 Grand Slam titles after a hard fought 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 3-6 6-1 victory over Marin Cilic in Melbourne.
After taking the first two sets, it looked like it was going to be a stroll in the park for the 36 year-old Swiss who hadn’t lost a set all competition long; but Cilic rallied back to claim the next two sets to take the tie to a fifth set which Federer eventually won.
“I’m so happy. It’s unbelievable. The fairytale continues for us, for me. After the great year I had last year, it’s incredible. Marin had another great tournament. Been a long journey but well worthwhile,” the ageless Swiss said after a little over three hours of remarkable tennis action on the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
The victory means the Swiss now ties the record for men’s Australian Open titles at six with Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson, and moves four clear of Rafael Nadal in the all-time list for male Grand Slam champions.
