Federer Seals 18th Grand Slam, Second Oldest to Do So

Roger Federer won his 18th Grand Slam title today, beating Arch-rival Rafael Nadal in five sets 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6 and 6-3. 
The final brought back the golden age of tennis 10 years ago when the two rivals, and arguably best players of all time, would meet regularly in Grand Slam finals. Nadal could not find any answers throughout today's match to Federer's stinging backhands. Nadal went into the final as favorite in terms of seeding, however the Spaniard had played a five-hour match in the semi-final just two days ago. 
Upon winning Federer jumped up and down with tears streaming down his face before going over to the net and hugging Nadal. "I've been coming here for almost 20 years now. I've always enjoyed it and now my family does too...thanks again for everything, to everybody. I hope to see you next year. If not, this was a wonderful run here and I can't be more happy to win tonight." Despite his loss, Nadal seemed upbeat "I'm just going to keep trying. I feel I am back at a very high level. I will keep fighting the whole season to have a great season and to come back here for so many years and keep trying to have that trophy with me." The rivalry is considered is the biggest one of all time as the two have won the most Grand slams so far. That rivalry however did not prevent them from being on good terms. Last summer, Federer went to Mallorca despite his injury to attend the opening of Nadal's tennis academy. The Spaniard was also full of praise for his arch nemesis: "congrats to Roger and all his team. Just amazing the way that he is playing after such a long time without being on the tour. It's very difficult to make that happen. I feel very happy for you," Nadal said. 
Federer was equally in awe of his rival: " I don't think either one of us believed we'd be in the finals in Australia when we saw each other at your academy four, five months ago. And here we stand. I am happy for you. I would have been happy to lose to you. The comeback was perfect," Federer said. 
At 35 years of age, Federer became the second oldest man to win a Grand Slam. The honor belongs to Ken Rosewall who, coincidentally, won the Australian Open in 1972 at the age of 37.

Source: QNA