You can’t use enough superlatives when describing Roger Federer.
Nearly two decades after entering the professional leagues, Roger Federer is still winning Grand Slams.
Federer became the 2018 Australian Open champion on Sunday, but it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing against a game Marin Cilic. The Swiss legend lost five games in a row as he dropped the fourth set but made a remarkable recovery to take a 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 3-6 6-1 win.
His celebrations were briefly delayed when the match-winning point was challenged. The replay showed that he made the shot by the finest of margins.
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆@RogerFederer, 2️⃣0️⃣x Grand Slam champion.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/l1oskAwzMU— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2018
With the win, Federer becomes only the fourth player to win 20 or more singles Grand Slam titles. He joins Margaret Court, Serena Williams and Steffi Graf as one of the players to complete this incredible feat.
At the age of 36 years, 173 days, Federer is also closing in on another record. He became the second-oldest man to win a Grand Slam title in the Open era after Ken Rosewall, who won the 1972 Australian Open at 37.
As he mentioned in his victory speech as he fought back the tears, “It’s a dream come true and the fairytale continues,”
What an emotional speech! 🙌
Roger Federer struggles to hold back the tears at the #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/RJra3voK7Y
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 28, 2018
The raw emotion Federer showed in victory really struck a chord with people. Despite all his success and all the times he’s been in this position before, he still has the ambition to be great. He never lost that enthusiasm for his passion, even when he was dominating.
Federer wasn’t alone in shedding tears over the momentous achievement. His speech got the waterworks flowing around the globe.
…and the tears do come out!
That's how much it means to him!
And I don't think he's the only one shedding those tears.
RT if you are crying with the great man… #Federer pic.twitter.com/5UktmDN1bG
— Live Tennis (@livetennis) January 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/micohalili/status/957586206174298112
https://twitter.com/Mike_Dickson_DM/status/957583707631767552
Oh Lord. I can deal with just about anything but Roger Federer in tears is like watching Bambi all over again and discovering what happens to Mother Bambi. 😭
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) January 28, 2018
Can’t see anything. The tears.. Oh man, Roger Federer, you amazing amazing man. Thank you for being born.. #FedererForever
— Harneet Singh (@Harneetsin) January 28, 2018
