Once again Roger Federer has created history with a five-set win over Marin Cilic at the Australian Open. The Swiss player continues to defy the logics of age to close in on returning back to world No.1 at the age of 36. In the aftermath of his victory, tears poured down Federer’s face as he relished in the latest victory of his career.
Here are five key milestones that Federer has achieved as a result of his latest Australian Open triumph.
1. The fourth player in history to reach the magic 20
At the Rod Laver Arena, Federer became the first man in history to win a major for a 20th time. Extending his lead over second place Rafael Nadal, who currently has 16 grand slam titles. In the history of tennis, three women have previously reached the magical 20 mark.
Most grand slam titles
Margaret Court – 24
Serena Williams – 23
Steffi Graf – 22
Roger Federer – 20
2. Only two other players have won as many Australian titles as him
Since making his main draw debut in Melbourne back in 2000, Federer has now won the Australian Open on six occasions. It is a milestone that has only previously been achieved by two players. Roy Emerson (1961, 1963-1967) and Novak Djokovic (2008, 2011- 2013, 2015, 2016).
Federer in Australian Open finals (6-1 record)
2004 Australian Open – def Marat Safin 7–6(7–3), 6–4, 6–2
2006 Australian Open – def Marcos Baghdatis 5–7, 7–5, 6–0, 6–2
2007 Australian Open – def Fernando González 7–6(7–2), 6–4, 6–4
2009 Australian Open – lost to Rafael Nadal 5–7, 6–3, 6–7(3–7), 6–3, 2–6
2010 Australian Open – def Andy Murray 6–3, 6–4, 7–6(13–11)
2017 Australian Open – def Rafael Nadal 6–4, 3–6, 6–1, 3–6, 6–3
2018 Australian Open – def Marin Cilic 6–2, 6–7(5–7), 6–3, 3–6, 6–1
3. He has won more matches at the Australian Open than any other grand slam
As a result of his win over Cilic, the Swiss player has won 94 matches in Melbourne Park. Overtaking his current record of 91 at Wimbledon. In total, Federer has played 107 matches at the event. Five more than that at Wimbledon.
Federer’s grand slam record
Australian Open – win-loss record of 94-13
French Open – win-loss record of 65-16
Wimbledon – win-loss record of 91-11
US Open – win-loss record of 82-12
4. Has won three grand slams since turning 35
Federer is only the second man to win three major titles after turning 35. The first was Rosewall. Should he win another grand slam title, Federer would become the first man in history to win five major titles since turning 30.
5. Within striking distance of the No.1 ranking
Claiming 2000 ranking points, Federer is close to returning to world No.1 for the first time since October 2012. He has already spent a record 302 weeks in the top position. 16 weeks more than second place Pete Sampras. Federer is now 155 points behind Nadal.
New ATP Ranking:
1. Rafael Nadal, 9760
2. Roger Federer, 9605Close, uh?
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 28, 2018
Fight for number one in february is pretty simple if Federer keeps his decision of not playing till Indian Wells:
– Rafael Nadal needs to reach the SFs in Acapulco to stay at #1. If he withdraws or loses before the SFs, Federer comes back to #1 after 5.5 years.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 28, 2018
