Roger Federer capped his triumphant return from knee surgery with fifth Australian Open crown and 18th major title, after a vintage battle with his Spanish rival Rafael Nadal, who had won all three of their previous meetings at Melbourne Park.
The 35 year old Swiss was finally able to celebrate with tears in his eyes, after coming out on top after three hours and 38 minutes of enthralling tennis to become the first man to win five or more titles at three different grand slams.
"There are no draws in tennis but I would have been happy to share one with Rafa tonight," he said.
"I wasn't sure if I was going to make it. I hope to see you next year and if not it's been a wonderful run here."
Day before, on Saturday night, Serena Williams defeated her older sister Venus in the women’s singles final of the 2017 Australian Open, to claim her 23rd Grand Slam title.
It took the American champion two 41-minute sets (6-4 6-4) to claim her seventh Australian Open
The 23rd title for the American brings her just one short of matching Australia’s Margaret Court, who at 24 grand slam titles, holds the record for the most women’s singles championship titles ever.
