‘Dream come true’ as Federer wins 20th Grand Slam title

Roger Federer says it was a dream come true and a fairytale that will fontinue as he won his sixth Australian Open and 20th Grand Slam title with a five-set victory over Marin Cilic.

The Swiss lost five games in a row as he dropped the fourth set but recovered to win 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 3-6 6-1 in three hours and 20 minutes at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

Federer, 36, becomes only the fourth player after Margaret Court, Serena Williams and Steffi Graf to win 20 or more major singles titles.

“It’s a dream come true and the fairytale continues,” said Federer, who has won three of the last five majors.

“I’m so happy, it’s unbelievable.

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“It’s been a long time waiting for this final. It’s easier in the afternoon, but when it’s at night you think about it all day. I’m happy it’s over now. It’s a dream come true and the fairytale continues.

“After the year I had last year, it’s incredible.”

“It’s always a celebration of tennis when it comes to an end. I want to thank everyone for making it so special tonight.”

He added: “Congrats to Marin. World number three is an incredible achievement. Keep doing what you’re doing and achieve more.”

Federer now ties the record for men’s Australian Open titles at six with Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson, and is four clear of Rafael Nadal among male Grand Slam champions with 20 titles to the Spaniard’s 16.

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