Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal in Australian Open final

Roger Federer recovered from a 1-3 deficit in the fifth set against his great rival Rafael Nadal to capture his 18th Grand Slam
championship crown and his fifth Australian Open title on Sunday.

Federer, the No. 17 seed, defeated ninth seed and 2009 winner Rafael Nadal, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in three hours and 37 minutes.

Throughout, it left the capacity crowd on Rod Laver Arena on the edge of their seats.

The win marks Federer’s first Grand Slam championship victory since he beat Andy Murray for the 2012 Wimbledon title.

Federer is the first No. 17 seed to capture a Grand Slam championship crown since Pete Sampras, who clinched the 2002 US Open title in his final professional match.

The Swiss superstar now 18-10 in major finals, while Nadal is 14-7 lifetime in finals on the biggest stages.

Federer hit 73 winners, including 20 aces, and won 76 per cent of his first service points for victory in three hours and 37 minutes.

Nadal, who went 4/17 in break points won, committed 28 unforced errors – 29 fewer than Federer.

The Swiss, who returned this year after a six-month injury lay-off, is now 12-23 in their FedEx ATP Head2Head series.