Federer Tops Nadal in Five Sets to Win 18th Grand Slam Title
Reborn.
Roger Federer won his first Grand Slam title since Wimbledon in 2012 Sunday in Melbourne, defeating longtime rival Rafael Nadal in five sets to win the Australian Open. The scores were 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
Federer ended the match with a forehand winner on his second match point, then withstood a challenge by Nadal on the call, which was upheld by replay.
For the 35 year old Federer, it was especially sweet...and unexpected, since he had missed from July to January because of a knee injury. Federer was seeded 17th, Nadal was #9.
Federer finally broke through against Nadal in the fifth set in game eight, taking a 5-3 lead and then served out the match.
Federer is the oldest major champion in 45 years. Ken Rosewall won three majors after age 35. He defeated four top-ten seeds on his way to the title.