17th seed and former world number one tennis player Roger Federer has won the Australian Open title.
The 35-year-old Swiss defeated Spaniard Rafael Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 after three hours and 38 minutes of play in Melbourne.
It is his first Grand Slam title since the 2012 triumph at Wimbledon.
This win comes despite the Australian Open being Federer’s first major tournament appearance since last year’s Wimbledon in July.
After his win, Federer stated, ‘Tennis is a tough sport and we don’t have draws but if I could have shared it today with Rafa I would have taken a draw.’
Nadal on his part said, ‘Congratulations to Roger and all his team. Amazing how well he is playing after such a long time on the tour. I am very happy for him.’
The 30-year-old jokingly added, ‘This is a beautiful trophy but not as nice as that one!’
Federer’s win extended his record for most Grand Slam titles to 18, four more than Nadal and Pete Sampras.
He also becomes the first man in history to win five or more titles at three different Grand Slams, having won five Australian Opens, five US Opens and seven Wimbledon titles.
No Fields Found.