PHOTO: REUTERS
Swiss star Roger Federer was in tears as he won a thrilling, five-set Australian Open final against his great rival Rafael Nadal to clinch a record-extending 18th Grand Slam title on Sunday.
Federer won 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in three hours 38 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to move four major titles ahead of Nadal and Pete Sampras on the all-time winners' list.
Nadal, Serena cruise into quarter-finals
The Swiss marvel also became the oldest man in the post-1968 Open era to win a major final since Australia's Ken Rosewall at the 1972 Australian Open.
It was Federer's fifth Australian title in his sixth final, and ended a long, seven-year wait to win again in Melbourne after his 2010 triumph over Andy Murray.
Federer, Wawrinka to clash in all-Swiss Australian Open semi-final
It was the 35th meeting between the two great rivals with Nadal now leading 23-12 and 6-3 in major finals, including his five-set win over Federer in the 2009 Australian final.
Federer also becomes the first man in history to win five or more titles at three different Grand Slam events. He has won five Australian Opens, seven Wimbledons, five US Opens and one French Open.
Set 5: 6-3 to Federer (Australia Open winner)
Game 9
Federer serves but Nadal goes 30-0 up. Federer comes back with an ace. Nadal goes 40-15 up. Two break points to the Spaniard. An ace for the Swiss. And one more points take the game into a deuce.
DEUCE: Advantage Federer (championship point). Deuce. Advantage Federer (championship point, again). AND FEDERER WINS! He has beaten Nadal to the Australia Open championship.
Game 8
Nadal serves. Federer goes 30-0 up. And takes it to 40-0. And Nadal strikes back with two points. The Spaniard takes it to a deuce.
DEUCE: Advantage Federer. Deuce. Advantage Federer. Federer wins the game. It's 5-3 at the Rod Laver Arena!
Game 7
Federer takes the lead with his serves. He is 4-3 and nearing another championship.
This match though...#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/0itnzHw5y8
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Game 6
Federer tries his best to go level with Rafa but the Spaniard pushes it into a deuce.
The fans are happy with that one #Federer. #AusOpen #FedererNadal pic.twitter.com/cvcupHtsPM
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
DEUCE: Advantage Nadal. Deuce. Advantage Federer. Federer wins the game as Rafa hits one wide off the line. It's 3-3 at the Rod Laver Arena. It doesn't get more intense than this!
Game 5
Federer serves to negate Nadal's two-game lead. And he does it with a 40-15 win. It's 3-2.
Game 4
Nadal serves to go 30-0 up. Federer pulls one back, actually make that two. It's 30-all. And soon after, the game enters deuce.
DEUCE: Advantage Federer. Deuce. Advantage Nadal. And the Spaniard goes 3-1 up when it all matters.
Game 3
Federer serves to come back in the championship set. He takes the first point, then the second and the third. Swiss maestro is 40-0 up. And he takes the game too! It's 2-1 to Nadal in the final set.
It's 1-2 as Roger punches right back, AO fifth set. #FedererNadal #USOpen pic.twitter.com/Gh5s6ZKjmp
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) January 29, 2017
Game 2
Nadal to serve. He goes 15-0 up. Gives back one point with a shot into the nets. Federer takes the next point too with backhand return down the baseline. One more to the Swiss! He has two break points now. One break point goes into the nets. And Nadal takes this game into a deuce.
Things are close in the fifth set. #Nadal has broken #Federer and now trying to hold serve #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/9X3MAjJI1T
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
DEUCE: Advantage Federer. Deuce. Advantage Nadal. And the Spaniard makes it 2-0.
#Nadal is keeping warm while waiting for #Federer to return #AusOpen #FedererNadal pic.twitter.com/R6zU2nKoVC
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Game 1
Federer serves but Nadal takes 30-0 lead. Federer strikes back with a cross court forehand. A forehand down the line and Nadal goes up 40-15. Federer keeps sending the ball to Nadal's forehand and the Spaniard misses it in the end. Oh no! Federer hits a rally return out of the lines. Nadal takes the first game off Federer's serve.
The #Federer and #Nadal #AusOpen men's singles final goes into the fifth set. #FedererNadal pic.twitter.com/Lwa00QoKWQ
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
With both players winning two sets, the match will be decided in the fifth one. Who is going to win it?
Who will win the 2017 #AusOpen final between @rogerfederer and @RafaelNadal? https://t.co/zvEaQzjKyV #Fedal
— Tribune Sports (@ETribuneSports) January 29, 2017
Set 4: 6-3 to Nadal
Would it even be a #FedererNadal clash if it didn't go to 5?
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Things are about to go into overdrive as Rafa takes the 4th 6-3. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/2rEqvuJf0j
Game 9
Nadal to serve for the set. He takes one point, then second and the third too. He is 40-0 up with three set points. He makes the first one count. This match is going into a fifth set. What a treat!
Game 8
It's 30-all with Federer serving. He goes 40-30 up with an ace wide off Nadal. Nadal pushes it into a deuce.
DEUCE: Advantage Federer. He wins the third game. It's 5-3.
#Federer reacts to missing a smash. #AusOpen #FedererNadal pic.twitter.com/xnVnBYOEPA
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Game 7
Nadal serves. Spaniard goes 40-0 up and ends the game with an ace. It's 5-2 in the final!
#Federer applauding #Nadal for another hot shot. #AusOpen #FedererNadal pic.twitter.com/kwpSHSsk6j
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Game 6
Federer takes the game to make it 4-2.
Game 5
And Nadal keeps his serve against a resurgent Federer, who nearly made it 3-2, but the Spaniard made sure he keeps the firm grip on the set and is now leading 4-1.
Game 4
And Nadal breaks Federer serve to take a big advantage in the fourth set. He leads 3-1.
Game 3
Nadal holds his serve to make it 2-1 in the fourth set.
Game 2
Federer hits back with a win in the second game to make it 1-1 in the fourth set.
Game 1
Nadal takes the first game and is now leading 1-0 in the fourth set, but still 2-1 down in the match.
Set 3: 6-1 to Federer
Game 7
Federer is serving for the set. It's 15-all. Federer goes 30-15 up. An unforced error gives Nadal a point; it's 30-all now. Nadal leads 40-30 now. However, Federer pushes it into a deuce.
DEUCE: Advantage Nadal. Deuce. Advantage Federer. He takes the third set with a drop shot!
#Federer takes the third set. #AusOpen #FedererNadal pic.twitter.com/eDCcWGSjon
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Game 6
Nadal to serve. He takes 30-0 lead in the game. Federer levels it to 30-all. A lose return in the rally from Nadal gives Federer 40-30 lead. And with an exceptional return on the serve, Federer goes 5-1 up and will serve for the set in the next game.
#Federer breaks #Nadal again in the third set. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/6Iy8XZX024
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Game 5
Federer serves and goes 40-0 up. And it's game too! Nadal has no answer to his quick service game at the moment. It's 4-1 to Federer!
#Federer and #Nadal are making all the hot shots. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/JzzCAnoBK8
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Game 4
Nadal serves and Federer is 15-0 up. Federer falters and it is 15-all. Classic backhand from Federer makes it 30-15. Federer moves forward to denies Nadal time to pick up his return. It's 40-15. Nadal uses his serve to make it 40-30. Federer's return is out of bound and it's a deuce.
DEUCE: Advantage Federer. Deuce (Nadal serves an ace). Advantage Nadal. Deuce. Advantage Nadal (an ace). Deuce (great return from Federer). Advantage Nadal. Game Nadal! It's 3-1 now.
The silky smooth #Federer backhand v the buggy-whip #Nadal forehand.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
What a show!#AusOpen #FedererNadal pic.twitter.com/wsncZjNbMc
Game 3
Vintage Federer! He starts with a straight up 40-0 lead and wraps it up with an ace. He has a substantial 3-0 lead in the third set!
#Federer holds the 1st game of the 3rd set after 10 minutes #AusOpen #FedererNadal pic.twitter.com/NMhSXJOWQl
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Game 2
Nadal serves but Federer uses his quick forehand to go 30-0 up. Federer pushes a back hand into the nets. Nadal takes one from the serve too. Federer plays an excellent forehand down the line. Wraps it up with a game-win on the first and only break point. It's 2-0 to Federer!
Prepared for a long battle #FedererNadal #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/qPSURnOq0Z
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Game 1
Federer serves and makes it 40-0 with precision serving. Nadal takes one back with a point down the line. Federer mis-hits a return and Nadal has another point. Federer pushed forward and tries a drop shot but hits into the net. DEUCE!
DEUCE: Advantage Nadal. Deuce (ace from Federer). Advantage Nadal. Deuce (again with an ace). Advantage Nadal. Deuce (ace ONE AGAIN from Federer!). Advantage Federer and he wins it too as Nadal falters in the rally.
Set 2: 6-3 to Nadal
Game 9
Nadal will serve for the set now. Two points from his serve and return. Federer pushes the the ball into the center of the net. Nadal has three set points. And there it is. Nadal levels it. It's a set a piece for both!
Game 8
Federer will not give up that easily. He takes the next game and makes it 5-3.
Good ball work by the maestro #FedererNadal #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/QiU5FTAlAh
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Game 7
Nadal takes the next set using his serve. He has this set in the bag, nearly! It's 5-2.
Game 6
Federer serves. Goes 15-0 up. The Swiss takes another one with a stoic defense. Nadal gifts him one more. Meanwhile, Nadal takes two back - with a forehand and due to a double fault. However, Federer finishes it off on his next serve. It's 4-2!
Pressure is on. #AusOpen #FedererNadal pic.twitter.com/9ns2SX1iU0
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Game 5
Nadal serves but Federer takes the first point. One more for the Swiss. Federer gives one back with an unforced error. Nadal takes one back with a quick serve. Federer, this time, goes wide and places a long shot wide off Nadal; it's 40-30. Federer plays a nice lob to win the game. It's 4-1!
Game 4
Federer serves but goes 30-0 down. Nadal returns one as Federer moves in to beat the Swiss. It's 40-0. Federer pulls two points back to make it 30-40. Federer hits one out of bounds and Nadal is 4-0 up in this set!
The world is watching....#AusOpen #FedererNadal pic.twitter.com/BinZCx0zcz
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Game 3
Nadal serves. Goes 30-0 up with two forehand winners. Federer pulls one back. Nadal slams one into the nets to make it 30 all. Federer somehow takes the lead but Nadal forces an error from the Swiss to take this game into a deuce.
DEUCE: Advantage Nadal. Deuce. Advantage Federer. Deuce. Advantage Nadal. Game Nadal! Spaniard leads 3-0.
#Nadal on the charge! #Fedal #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/J6TODBrE90
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) January 29, 2017
Game 2
Federer serves and gives Nadal the first point with a double fault. A long rally follows and Federer pushes it into the nets. Nadal is 30-0 up. Federer moves forward to take one point back. Federer levels as the ball hits the tape on the nets and takes a fall. Nadal goes 40-30 up with a baseline shot. Federer comes forward again to push the game into a deuce.
DEUCE: Advantage Nadal. Game Nadal! It's 2-0 in the second set.
Game 1
Nadal serves. He makes his way to two break points with 40-15. Serves well to take the first game. 1-0 to Nadal!
Set 1: 6-4 to Federer
Game 10
Federer serves for the set. Nadal takes advantage to go 15-0 up but Federer strikes back with an ace and a slow curling serve to take 30-15 lead. The Swiss is 40-15 up now. He has two set points in the bag. He wins the set with an ACE! The Swiss legend has done it: 6-4 is the score of the first set.
#Federer keeping redheaded Roger fans on the edge of their seat #AusOpen
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Federer breaks #Nadal pic.twitter.com/wHlt6v0Rpb
Game 9
Nadal to serve to save the first set. Federer takes the first point, Nadal levels and then goes 30-15 up. Spaniard forces a fault from the serve and has two break points now. A loose shot and Nadal has one break point now. He takes that one. It's 5-4 at the Rod Laver Arena.
Game 8
Federer leads the set now with a quick-fire game win against Nadal. It's 5-3!
Game 7
Federer breaks Nadal's serve to go 15-0 up. Nadal levels but Federer uses the court to go up 30-15. A great quick forehand gives Federer two break points (40-15). He wins it! He has drawn first blood. He lead 4-3 in the first set.
Game 6
Federer serves to level the game. Goes 40-0 up. And levels it with a forehand.
Game 5
Nadal, with the serve, goes 40-0 in no time. And forces an error on the serve to take 3-2 lead.
Game 4
Federer serves and levels the set again.
Game 3
Nadal takes the lead again in the third set.
#Federer takes it right to the net, #Nadal takes the point. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/r9ui7diSnr
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Game 2
Federer hold his serve to level the first set 1-1.
Game 1
Nadal takes the first game on his serve against Federer.
It's men's final time #AusOpen #Fedal pic.twitter.com/SLT7nY1yBL
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
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