Thank you, tennis gods.
On Sunday morning, we were treated to an all-time classic in the five-set epic final that closed out the Australian Open in stunning style.
Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal have shared the court many times but you’d be hard pressed to find a more thrilling contest than their meeting in the Rod Laver Arena this weekend.
Federer, the greatest of all time, was unsurprisingly brought to tears as confirmation arrived of his 18th grand slam title in Melbourne.
It was the first time since Wimbledon 2012 that the pride of Switzerland had claimed a grand slam but, at 35, Federer proved that class is permanent as he held his nerve to down his rival 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 after three hours and 38 minutes of unbelievable action.
The match itself was out this world.
JESUS HAROLD CHRIST this is amazing
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawTel) January 29, 2017
Tennis, bloody hell #AusOpen
— Richard Moore (@richardmoore73) January 29, 2017
Federer and Nadal: Uniting lovers of true sport around the world with enthralling tennis and sportsmanship. This is a classic.#AusOpen
— Shane O’Donoghue 🇮🇪 (@ShaneODonoghue) January 29, 2017
This is propz OMG…
— jamie jackson (@JamieJackson___) January 29, 2017
The finish itself was nerve-racking as call after call was reviewed in the final set.
https://twitter.com/oechermaedche/status/825679224245719040
Finally!!! Whew my nerves couldn't take anymore. Congrats to the Fed!!! #AusOpen
— MaAndi-Andi (@Afrikkano) January 29, 2017
My nerves have been put to test today,wueh..fucking king 👑 @rogerfederer .Well done
— Greef Karga (@fullmzukah) January 29, 2017
Some of the shots beggared belief.
#Federer: POINT OF THE MATCH pic.twitter.com/oKH1OBw3rY
— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) January 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/ChiamarsiFogna/status/825661543513726978
What a rally #AusOpen #RogerFederer #Nadal #lovetennis #respect pic.twitter.com/mbiSdWnuOE
— Chris Graham (@tenniswithchris) January 29, 2017
Some were moved to tears.
https://twitter.com/nickomaine_dei/status/825680508566638592
Tears of happiness. I have actual tears. #Federer #GOAT #AusOpen
— Rhiannon (@Rhistix) January 29, 2017
I'm crying like federer for federer. Just so unbelievably lucky to have witnessed this magical magical match #bbctennis
— Andrew Neill (@andrewsneill) January 29, 2017
While most were united in joy for the man, the myth, the greatest of all time – Roger Federer.
A champion, a gentleman and an inspiration #Federer
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 29, 2017
FEDERER WINS 🏆
What a Champion! Simply incredible 🙌
#AusOpen#FedererNadal pic.twitter.com/Ek8DT8xgPx— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 29, 2017
Thank you #Federer #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/34ZdF6GbDr
— Michele Di Mauro (@MicheleDiM4uro) January 29, 2017
That is a sporting moment for the AGES. The greatest. Federer. You couldn't dream it. 😭🎾
— John Duggan (@JohnDugganSport) January 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/shani_official/status/825680925707079681
https://twitter.com/mrbloodred/status/825680821382160384
