AUSTRALIAN OPEN: ROGER FEDERER HANGS ON 20TH CAREER GRAND SLAM TITLE TO BEAT MARIN CILIC IN FINAL

January 28, 2018 0
It's the sixth Australian Open title in Roger Federer's illustrious career, to along with his eight titles at Wimbledon, five at the US Open and one at the French Open.
Federer, 36, downed Marin Cilic in a five-set thriller to win his 20th Grand Slam title.
But victory has been overshadowed by the circling of retirement rumours following the win.

Federer, speaking on court after winning the title, said: "You guys, you feel the stadiums, you make me nervous. You make me go out and practise.
"I'd just like to thank you for everything, It wouldn't be the same without you, thank you.


"Marin's team as well. You guys work hard, all the best."

After win Switzerland President call him to congratulate him .

Federer has won more major tennis titles than any man, including a record-equaling six on the court that bears the great Rod Laver's name at Melbourne Park.

This one, following a tension-filled, momentum-swinging 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over Marin Cilic in Sunday's Australian Open final, was a keeper.

Laver has been involved in the on-court presentations in the past, witnessing Federer's tears at close range. This time, Laver -- the only man to twice win all four Grand Slam titles in one season -- held up his mobile phone to get the shot from the stands.

"I didn't see that through my thick tears, that he was taking a picture of me crying," Federer said. He joked in a TV interview that "I couldn't lift my head, I was so embarrassed."

Surely, it's only an embarrassment of riches.

Federer arrived in Melbourne at the start of 2017 after an extended injury layoff and on a Grand Slam title drought that dated back to 2012 at Wimbledon. Having successfully defended his Australian title, Federer has now won three of the last five majors in a stunning career resurgence.

"I'm so happy. It's unbelievable," Federer said, taking deep breaths and choking back tears. "Of course, winning is an absolute dream come true -- the fairytale continues for us, for me, after the great year I had last year, it's incredible."

Federer started to tear up toward the end of the trophy ceremony as he thanked his team in the stands: "I love you guys. Thank you."

He then received a standing ovation as tears streamed down his face.

At the age of 36 years, 173 days, Federer became the second-oldest man to win a Grand Slam title in the Open era after Ken Rosewall, who won the 1972 Australian Open at 37.
Federer has now won 96 titles in his stellar career. The elated champion said: "I'm so happy. It's unbelievable.
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