Tearful Roger Federer delighted with his prolonged fairytale
There appears to be no end in sight to the Roger Federer fairytale as he added a 20th Grand Slam title to his collection on Sunday.
The 36-year-old needed five sets to beat Marin Cilic on Rod Laver Arena to secure his sixth Australian Open trophy.
He won his first Grand Slam back in 2003 when he beat Mark Philippoussis in the Wimbledon final, and now nearly 15 years later he has 20 to his name.
The last two years have perhaps been the sweetest of his career as he appeared to be headed for retirement after going major-less between 2013 and 2016, but he hit back with the 2017 Australian Open and Wimbledon titles before successfully defending his trophy Down Under this year.
The Swiss Maestro was naturally happy with his achievement during the post-match interview.
I’M NOT CRYING, YOU’RE CRYING! ????
“You guys make me nervous. You guys make me practice. You guys fill the stadiums. Thank you.”
– @RogerFederer ??#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/sGHCB6mhJG
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2018
“I’m so happy. It is a long day. You are waiting all day. You think about the match all day. Winning is a dream come true, the fairytale continues for us,” he said.
“Marin, keep doing what you are doing. I wish you all the best. You will achieve more.
“We arrived in Perth last year and are still here! Thanks to everyone here for making it so special. You have some of the best volunteers in the world, I realised that at the Sydney 2012 Olympics.
“It’s great to see Rocket Rod Laver again, and thanks also to Ashley Cooper and the other legends.
“You guys [fans] fill the stadiums and you make me nervous! Thanks for everything. To my team, I love you guys.”
And then he broke down.
Latest
-
NewsFrancisco Cerundolo eyeing remarkable family first ahead of Argentina Open final
Cerundolo is looking to emulate his younger brother Juan Manuel by winning his first ATP title.
-
WTA TourClassy Petra Kvitova in dominant form as she eases to Qatar Open title
Petra Kvitova stormed to her 28th career title and second at the Qatar Open win with a 6-2, 6-1 rout of Garbine Muguruza in Doha.
-
ATP TourWATCH: Roger Federer practices in Doha as he learns his fate in the draw
Roger Federer could face a clash against Britain’s Dan Evans in the first match of his comeback event in Doha.
-
ATP TourAndrey Rublev’s stunning run of form continues as beats Stefanos Tsitsipas
Andrey Rublev stirmed into his fourth straight ATP 500 final with a 6-3, 7-6(2) victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas in Rotterdam.
-
ATP TourRoger Federer sends fans crazy with a social media post ahead of his return to action
The moment Roger Federer fans have waited almost a years to see is nearly here as he prepares to return to action next week.
-
WTA TourGarbine Muguruza into the final in Qatar after Victoria Azarenka pulls out
Victoria Azarenka withdrew ahead of the Qatar Total Open semi-finals to send Garbine Muguruza.
-
ATP TourStefanos Tsitsipas sets up showdown with Andrey Rublev in Rotterdam
Stefanos Tsitsipas is into the semi-finals of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.
-
NewsLawn Tennis Association determined to show commitment to inclusion and diversity
Seven people from diverse backgrounds have been appointed to the LTA Council.
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray’s tips on how to make sure you stay injury-free when tennis resumes after lockdown
Andy Murray is back with some tips.
-
Tennis FunWATCH: Kei Nishikori reveals he wanted to be a penguin when he was young
Kei Nishikori with some quality content.