Melbourne [Australia]: World No. 2 Roger Federer claimed his 20th Grand Slam and sixth Australian Open title at the Melbourne Park with a victory over Croatia’s Marin Cilic here on Sunday.
Federer was made to sweat by Cilic as the match went for five sets, which the Swiss won 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 under the Rod Laver Arena roof.
With this win, the 36-year-old becomes only the fourth player after Australia’s Margaret Court, America’s Serena Williams and Germany’s Steffi Graf to win 20 or more major singles titles.
“It’s always a celebration of tennis when it comes to an end. I want to thank everyone for making it so special tonight,” Federer said after the win.
“To all the fans. You fill the stadiums, you make me nervous, you make me go out and practice. I just want to thank you for everything,” he added.
Meanwhile, Cilic’s dream of becoming the first Croat to win an Australian Open and his second major title was destroyed.
Federer congratulated Cilic and said, “Congrats to Marin. World number three is an incredible achievement. Keep doing what you’re doing and achieve more.” (ANI)