Australian Open Final: Roger Federer wins 20th Grand Slam after Marin Cilic win

ROGER FEDERER beat Marin Cilic in five sets in the Australian Open final to win Grand Slam No.20.

Roger Federer vs Marin Cilic GETTY

Roger Federer makes it Grand Slam number 20.

Cilic recovered from two sets to one and a break down to force a fifth set but Federer proved stronger in the end to win 6-2 6-7 (5/7) 6-3 3-6 6-1 and join Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson in claiming his sixth title in Melbourne.

The 36-year-old, the second oldest man to win a slam title behind Ken Rosewall, moves four clear again of Rafael Nadal in terms of overall titles and is only three behind Serena Williams and four adrift of all-time record holder Margaret Court.

Roger Federer celebrates beating Rafael Nadal in 2017 Australian Open final

 
ROGER FEDERER extended his grand slam record to 18 tournaments by beating Rafael Nadal in Melbourne.
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GETTY

    “The win means Federer now has six Australian Open titles”

    The crunch moment of the match came in the opening game of the decider.

    Playing at his peak, Cilic overpowered Federer from the baseline but the second seed withstood the pressure to save two break points.

    A successful HawkEye challenge on a Cilic second serve helped him break in the next game and another break for 5-1 left him serving for the title.

    Roger Federer Getty

    Roger Federer started and ended the match in explosive style

    Marin Cilic Getty

    Marin Cilic battled back to level the score at 2-2

    He needed only one match point, with Cilic netting a backhand return.

    The Croatian appealed to HawkEye but the serve just clipped the line.

    The win means Federer now has six Australian Open titles.

    The Swiss legend also won the tournament last year.

    FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW...