Roger Federer won his fifth Australian Open title and 18th major crown in all, defeating Rafael Nadal 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 at Rod Laver Arena. Federer has become the first man in history to win five or more titles at three different Serena Williams is the women’s champion. She beat Venus Williams in the final for her 23rd Grand Slam title.
Federer extended his lead over Nadal in the all-time major wins list to four. Rafa Nadal says: “It is amazing how he is playing after all this time away from the tour. Congrats, I am very happy for you. For me, it has been a great month. For the first time in my career, I spent a full month in Australia. It is an amazing month for me. This beautiful country, fantastic people, supporting a lot all the events. It has been unforgettable.”
Roger Federer says: ‘Thank you Rafa. He said so many lovely things. I don’t think that we could have thought when we were at his academy that we would be here in a final. 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.I work hard but then so do lots of other people, there are some legends in this game. I have had a difficult last six months and I did not know if I was going to make it here so thank you guys. Thank you. Keep playing Rafa, please. Tennis needs you. Thank you for everything you do. Thanks to the fans for making us fight harder, to keep trying one more time. You guys make it special. I have been coming for almost 20 years and I have always enjoyed it and now my family does top. Thanks. Hope to see you next year. I cannot be more happy’.
Fourteen years after beating Venus for her maiden title at Melbourne Park, Serena’s seventh crown and a record 23rd major crown with victory over her again. She paid tribute to Venus, her long-time doubles partner and enduring inspiration.”She’s an amazing person, there’s no way I would be at 23 without her,” said Serena, cradling the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
Venus and Serena Williams
“There’s no way I would have anything without her. “My first grand slam started here, and getting to 23 here, but playing Venus, it’s stuff that legends are made of. I couldn’t have written a better story.” The win moved Serena past Steffi Graf on the list of all-time grand slam champions. Only Margaret Court, who watched the match from the terraces, is ahead of her on 24.
Venus lost her seventh of nine grand slam title deciders to her younger sister but won over the Rod Laver Arena crowd by battling hard to the finish. “Congratulations Serena on number 23, I’ve been right there with you, some of them I’ve lost right there with you,” said the seven-times grand slam champion, raising a laugh from the crowd.
“Your win has always been my win, you know that.” The sisters’ combined ages added up to the ‘oldest’ grand slam final in the professional era but they ran like the teenagers they were in 1998, when they played each other for the first time in a tour match at the same tournament.
