A gruelling final saw Roger Federer win his 18th grand slam title at the age of 35.
Beating his old rival Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer won what is already being dubbed the most exhilarating portray of back-to-back rallies in one of the greatest Australian tennis finals. Federer winning the Australia Open men’s final 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
Their rivalry has been considered the greatest in tennis history, since they first played each other back 2004 in the third round of the Miami Masters – Nadal was 17 years old and surprised many by winning in straight sets. Since then they have had 35 matches divided between clay, grass and hard court.
With their history of unforgettable matches in England, France, America, and now for the forth time is Australia, it was expected that the 2017 men’s final was going to be nothing short of magnificent.
This was their first meeting in a Grand Slam final since 2011. Federer came into the tournament seeded 17th, and Nadal seeded 9th. Federer ultimately triumphed in 5 sets, winning a record-breaking and historic 18th men’s singles Grand Slam title. Federer’s victory denied Nadal the latter’s second opportunity to become the first man in the Open era to win each Grand Slam in men’s singles at least twice.
This years final set-forth a thrilling game that saw Channel Seven have its highest TV ratings for a men’s final tennis match in a decade and third most-watched ever. with both players returning back to tennis from a long term injuries, 4.4 million Australians tuned in at the peak of the broadcast with the match averaging 3.6 million viewers across rural and metro audiences as Federer beat his fierce rival Nadal in a five set thriller at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
There was no clear champion as the viewers witness Rafa and Roger each win back-to-back sets. Just as Roger seemed to get a hand on the match, Rafa would come back to even the game and win the next set. however it was Federer who would win the final and fifth set and take the trophy.
After the game they both voiced their love for the Australian fans, ending it with thanking everyone that was involved and both hoping to return next year.
