Roger Federer will bid for a 20th grand slam title when he takes on Marin Cilic in the final of the Australian Open today. The Swiss holds the men's record with 19 slam trophies, three more than his great rival Rafael Nadal
Roger Federer
Roger Federer will bid for a 20th grand slam title when he takes on Marin Cilic in the final of the Australian Open today. The Swiss holds the men's record with 19 slam trophies, three more than his great rival Rafael Nadal. By reaching his seventh final at Melbourne Park, Federer, 36, has set a new Open era record, but he needs to win to equal Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson's six titles. He won his second slam title in 2004 with victory over Marat Safin, while last year's unexpected triumph was arguably the greatest of his career. His only final defeat came against Nadal in 2009.
Only Marin Cilic stands between Federer and a 20th Grand Slam title as an injury-ravaged Australian Open staggers to its today's final. The Swiss marvel continues to defy the years and attrition rate to reach his 30th Grand Slam decider and a shot at his sixth Australian crown while his long-time rivals have fallen by the wayside.
Cilic overcame him on the way to winning the 2014 US Open final, but it is his only win in nine encounters and the Swiss defending champion has glided to the brink of another title without dropping a set. Federer is supremely confident and he has it all in place to join Djokovic and Australian Emerson with the most Australian titles. "I'm pleased that my game has been good from the very beginning of the tournament so far," Federer said ahead of the final.
Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here
Download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go