Roger Federer defied age and his Grand Slam nemesis Rafael Nadal to win a record 18th Grand Slam title in a thrilling, five-set final at the Australian Open on January 29. Federer, 35, won a classic encounter 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 to become the oldest major-winner in 45 years and move four titles clear of Nadal and Pete Sampras on the all-time list. The veteran Swiss jumped in joy and cried tears of happiness as he sealed the win on his second championship point, ending a five-year wait for a big victory after Wimbledon in 2012.
Neither Federer nor Nadal, was expected to reach the final but both players grabbed their chances after Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic exited. “That is a milestone in my career, they are always epic matches against Rafa. He has caused me the most problems in my career.” For Federer, it sealed an astonishing comeback from six months out with injury. His fifth Australian title came after seven long years. He also becomes the oldest major champion since Ken Rosewall won the Australian Open in 1972 at 37.
