Federer Wins Seventh Grand Slam
Roger Federer overcame a mighty scare to beat unseeded 20-year-old Marcos Baghdatis to win his seventh Grand Slam and his second Australian Open title.
The world’s best player was in serious trouble when he was a set and a break down but managed to hold his nerve.
He reeled of an amazing 11 games on the trot to break Baghdatis’ resolve and as the Cypriot tired and began to suffer cramp he closed out the match winning 5-7 7-5 6-0 6-2.
An emotional Federer recieved the trophy from his boyhood hero Rod Laver and immediately burst into tears.
His target now will be the Frech Open and if he wins that he will be the first man since Rod Laver to hold all four Grand Slams at the same time.
” The French is the one that’s not been possible for me so far, but I believe I’ve only given myself one chance to win and that was last year,” he said.
“We’re still a few months away but I hope I stay healthy so I get a chance to do it.”
Baghdatis, who is set to rise from 54th to 26th in the world rankings, admitted he lost focus at a crucial time.
” I did focus for two sets but then there were moments when I started thinking too much, ” he said.
” Maybe I was a bit scared of him and didn’t really believe in it. So I mean it was tough. ”
His tournament high point was his fourth-round victory over second seed Andy Roddick.
” Beating Roddick was my first my first time winning in the Rod Laver Arena, I mean beating the number three in the world was my best victory.”
