Federer defeats Nadal to win Australian Open

Roger Federer has won his 18th Grand Slam title in a thrilling five-set encounter win over Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The Swiss ran out 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 winner, to claim his first Grand Slam win in over five years, and extend his lead at the top of the all-time men's major winners' list.

Nadal remains joint-second, tied with Pete Sampras, in what was the Spaniards first final since 2014.

The match - one of the most competitive between the two – ended after a gruelling three hours and 48 minutes, with Federer emerging victorious to claim his fifth Melbourne title.

Federer also becomes the oldest Grand Slam champion since Ken Rosewall won the 1972 Australian Open, aged 37.

Nadal fought hard to bring the tie to a fifth-set decider, but Federer rallied to complete the feat, and claim his third Grand Slam title in nine attempts over the 30-year-old, and insisted he would have been happy to lose to his old foe.

"I'm out of words and Rafa said so many great things. I'd like to congratulate Rafa on an amazing comeback," Federer said.

"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.

"Tennis is a tough sport. There are no draws. If there were I would have been happy to accept one tonight and share it with Rafa.

"Everybody says they work very hard - I do the same - but I try not to shout about it. I'd like to thank my team. It's been a different last six months. I didn't think I'd make it but here I am."

Nadal admitted his disappointment, but insists he is back playing at a high level, and vows to fight hard the rest of the season.

"First of all, can I say 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.

"For me, personally, it has been a great month. for the first time in my career I spend one full month here, in Brisbane, then Sydney and here. It's been amazing for me, I really enjoyed this beautiful country and the fantastic people, supporting all the events.

"All the events have been unforgettable. Especially here. Melbourne is always going to be in my heart. I had some hard time without being able to compete at full competition.

"Some injuries, not new for me, but it's hard when that happens. I worked very hard to get where I am today. I fight a lot, probably Roger deserved it a little bit more than me today.

"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.

"It's the third time I have this (plate) with me - it is beautiful but the trophy is better! Thank you to my team and for all the support, everyone who has made it possible for me to be here."

Image/GettyImages/CameronSpencer

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