Roger Federer became the oldest man to win a Grand Slam title, after he defeated old rival Rafael Nadal on Sunday, to clinch his fifth Australian Open.
Federer, 35, won in five sets: 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3.
It is the Swiss’ first major title since he won the Wimbledon title in 2012 and it is also the first time he is beating Nadal in a Grand Slam in more than 10 years.
“I’m out of words and Rafa said so many great things. I’d like to congrautlate Rafa on an amazing comeback,” he saif afterwards.
“I don’t think either one of us believed we’d be in the finals in Australia when we saw each other at your academy four, five months ago. And here we stand. I am happy for you. I would have been happy to lose to you. The comeback was perfect.
“Tennis is a tough sport. There are no draws. If there were I would have been happy to accept one tonight and share it with Rafa.
“Everybody says they work very hard – I do the same – but I try not to shout about it. I’d like to thank my team. It’s been a different last six months. I didn’t think I’d make it but here I am.”
Comments