Roger Federer makes history in the 2017 Australian Open Final by beating old rival Rafael Nadal.
In an Australian Open that did not feature Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray in the Final, Roger Federer turned back time to beat old nemesis Rafael Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in 3 hours and 37 minutes. According to the website of The Guardian, Federer becomes the first man to win more than 5 titles at 3 Grand Slam events and the second oldest man behind Ken Rosewall to win a major singles trophy. Overall, it was the Swiss 18th Grand Slam title moving him past Pete Sampras.
The website of Yahoo revealed that it was the first meeting of the two heavyweights since 2011. Rafael Nadal, who is seeded 9th in the tournament, stays at second with 14 Grand Slams. For Federer, it was a sweet victory after 11 successive semifinals defeat in Melbourne.
"I'm out of words. I'd like to congratulate Rafa for his amazing comeback. I don't think we believed we would be in the final 4 or 5 months ago. I would have been happy to lose too to be honest." Federer said in an emotional speech after the match. "Tennis is a tough sport with no draws but I would love to have shared this with Rafa tonight. Keep playing Rafa, please, tennis needs you." Federer continued.
As the Daily Mail reported it was not an easy win for the man they call "Swiss Maestro" as he had to fight back in the fifth set from being a break down. Showing shades of their incredible match during the finals of the 2008 Wimbledon, Federer roared back from 3-1 down to win the next five games.
It was Federer's first win against Nadal in a Major for the first time in a decade.
