Roger Federer grabs his 20th Grand Slam title

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Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer shed tears while claiming his 20th Grand Slam title after beating Croatia’s Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 to win the 2018 Australian Open men's singles title on Sunday in Melbourne.

It was Federer's 30th Grand Slam decider, making him the third man to snatch the most Australian Open titles, alongside Roy Emerson and Novak Djokovic.

The 36-year-old marvel is also the first man in history to win 20 Grand Slam titles, coming after Margaret Court (with 24 titles), Serena Williams (with 23 titles) and Steffi Graf (22 titles).

Roger Federer celebrates beating Croatia's Marin Cilic on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. /VCG Photo

The Melbourne Park turned into a sea of cheers and tears when Federer kissed the Norman Brookes trophy and expressed gratitude to the audience.

"I'm so happy, it's unbelievable, it's been a long day," Federer said. "I'm happy it's over now. The fairy tale continues for us, for me, it's incredible," said the emotional tennis player.

Just when skeptics thought his Grand Slam-winning days were over after not bagging any major title since Wimbledon in 2012, Federer has reeled off another three wins since his 35th birthday.

An emotional Roger Federer poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning the 2018 Australian Open Men's Singles Final. /VCG Photo

And there appears every likelihood of more to come, particularly a ninth Wimbledon crown later this year. While Federer makes it look easy, it doesn't come without a tough grind behind the scenes, as Federer explained earlier in the tournament.

"There's always a lot of work that goes into it during the tournament, focus, and also preparation beforehand," he said. "For many weeks and months before, you try to put yourself in the position, are you going to be ready in case a good semi-finals or quarter-finals match at the Australian Open, so forth".

"This is something you sort of plan from a long time ago. That's why when it does happen, it's a great feeling."

A record-setter

Roger Federer poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning the 2018 Australian Open Men's Singles Final. /VCG Photo‍

Despite the fact that he was the oldest man to play in the Australian Open final at 36 since Australia’s Ken Rosewall (37) and Mal Anderson (36) faced each other in the 1972 final, age obviously has not wearied the Swiss master.

In an endless list of records, he also holds the all-time men's record of 332 Grand Slam wins since playing his first in 1999, with career earnings of more than 115 million US dollars. Sunday's victory was also his 96th career title as he closes in on Jimmy Connors' Open-Era mark of 109.

An emotional Roger Federer (R) on stage with Croatia's Marin Cilic (L). /VCG Photo

Federer, who spent a record 302 weeks at number one and was inside the top 10 from 2002 until 2015, saw his ranking slide to 17 – his lowest since 2001 – after he spent six months out in 2016 with a knee injury.

But it has been all upside since last year's classic five-set final win over Nadal at the Australian Open. Despite his latest endeavor, Federer will remain world No.2 behind Nadal – for now.

(With input from AFP)

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