Roger Federer beat Marin Cilic 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 6-1 after a colossal effort from the Croatian.

Swiss master Federer looked to be easing to a four-set victory after breaking Cilic early in the fourth.

Cilic stormed back to force a deciding set but Federer stepped up a gear to seal the victory.

And Cilic was left to rue that fifth set.

“First of all congrats to Roger and his team. It’s amazing what he does year after year. All the best for 2018,” he said.

“It was an amazing journey for me to get to the final. Today was a tough match.

“It’s been an amazing two weeks.

“I had a slight chance but Rodger played a great fifth set.

“I want to thank my team. You guys were unbelievable during these two weeks.

“We started this year amazingly well. Hopefully we will be lifting these Grand Slam trophies in the future.”

Cilic also lost to Federer in the final of Wimbledon last year, as well as the ATP World Tour Finals in London two months ago.

The 29-year-old’s record with Federer now stands at W1 L9.

Cilic added: “I want to congratulate the tournament. It’s amazing what you guys do.

“Volunteers, ball boys, referees, drivers. You guys are so kind. It’s as privilege to be here.

“I hope I will be playing here for many years to come.

“Thank you for your support. It was amazing. Thank you for mu fans at home. I hope 2018 will be an amazing year.”

FEDERER'S GRAND SLAM VICTORIES

Australian Open - six titles (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018)

By reaching his seventh final at Melbourne Park, Federer set a new Open era record at the tournament, and his triumph saw him equal Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson's six titles. He won his second slam title in Melbourne 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, and he staved off Cilic's threat with a clinical final set on Sunday.

French Open - one title (2009)

Another of Federer's favourite titles came nine years ago when he finally lifted the Coupe des Mousquetaires at Roland Garros. It was Federer's fourth consecutive final and he had lost the previous three to Nadal. Robin Soderling stunned Nadal in the fourth round in 2009 and Federer defeated the Swede in the final.

Wimbledon - eight titles (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017)

When he finally retires, Wimbledon will be the grand slam most synonymous with Federer. He won his first title in 2003 against Mark Philippoussis and did not lose a match at SW17 until the extraordinary final against Nadal in 2008. After defeating Andy Roddick in a marathon in 2009 and Andy Murray in 2012, victory over Cilic last summer made Federer the first man ever to win eight titles.

US Open - five titles (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)

It is nearly a decade since Federer won the last of his five successive titles in New York with victory over Murray in 2008. He had previously beaten Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic in his finals. Federer also made the final at Flushing Meadows in 2009 and 2015, losing to Juan Martin del Potro and Djokovic, respectively.