A four and a half year wait for his 18th Grand Slam, 3-1 down in the tense final set, but Roger Federer managed to fight time, tension and a top-form opponent to finally lift a Major again.
The epic 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 win ended Federer’s six-match losing streak to Nadal at the grand slams, with his last major win over the Spaniard coming at the 2007 Wimbledon final.
Soon after the victory though, the 35-year-old dropped a hints that his great career may be drawing to a close. Having been forced out of the circuit for the last 6 months due to a knee injury, and playing his first tournament back, Federer admitted his return to Melbourne next season wasn't guaranteed.
In front of a packed Rod Laver Arena, he said: “I hope to see you next year, but if not, then it was a wonderful year here and I couldn’t be happier tonight.”
Federer has been rebutting suggestions of retirement for several years, but he said he was now aware injuries could force him off the scene.
The Australian Open marked his comeback from a six-month injury break, the longest of his career, after he underwent surgery for the first time last February.
"This is all about, you know, knowing that I have only so much tennis left in me," he told reporters, when asked about the comment in his acceptance speech.
If I do get injured, you know, maybe if I miss next year, who knows what happens... You never know when your next Grand Slam is going to be, if ever. You never know if you’re going to have an opportunity at this stage. Look, I’ve had a tough year last year.Roger Federer, 2017 Australian Open Champion
Three five-setters are not going to help. I just meant it the way I meant it.
"There wasn't something planned behind it, that this is my last Australian Open. I hope can I come back, of course. That's my hope right now," added Federer.
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