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World of Sport

29th Jan 2017

The overjoyed and enthralled reaction as classy Roger Federer pulls off something very, very special

Out of this world

Darragh Murphy

Thank you, tennis gods.

On Sunday morning, we were treated to an all-time classic in the five-set epic final that closed out the Australian Open in stunning style.

Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal have shared the court many times but you’d be hard pressed to find a more thrilling contest than their meeting in the Rod Laver Arena this weekend.

Federer, the greatest of all time, was unsurprisingly brought to tears as confirmation arrived of his 18th grand slam title in Melbourne.

It was the first time since Wimbledon 2012 that the pride of Switzerland had claimed a grand slam but, at 35, Federer proved that class is permanent as he held his nerve to down his rival 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 after three hours and 38 minutes of unbelievable action.

The match itself was out this world. 

The finish itself was nerve-racking as call after call was reviewed in the final set. 

Some of the shots beggared belief. 

Some were moved to tears.

While most were united in joy for the man, the myth, the greatest of all time – Roger Federer.