After a long break since 2012 when Federer last time won a title on Wimbledon, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Roger Federer today won the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The 35 year old Swiss after a heart-stopping match in five sets 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, manage to win his 18th Grand Slam title against his well known rival Rafael Nadal.

Against Rafa it’s always epic. This one means a lot to me because he’s caused me problems over the years. I’m out of words, I don’t think either one of us believed we’d be in the final here when we were at your academy five, six months ago. Here we stand in the finals.” – said Federer, addressing Nadal in a television interview.

“I’m happy for you. I would have been happy to lose to you. The comeback was perfect as it was. – Roger Federer continued. It’s been a difficult last six months, let’s be honest. I wasn’t sure I was going to be here, but here I am. This was a wonderful run, and I can’t be more happy to win tonight. I would happily share this titanic title with Nadal.”

Federer on his way to the 18th Grand Slam title has eliminated Berdych, Mischa Zverev, Stan Wawrinka and Rafael Nadal.

18th Grand SlamAustralian Open finalFederer Nadal FinalRafael NadalRoger Federer