Federer claims Australian Open with comeback win

World number one Roger Federer has again asserted his dominance over the Men’s singles competition after he claimed his seventh grand slam, the 2006 Australian Open.

It took three hours for Federer to defeat Marcos Baghdatis, three sets to one - 5-7, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2.

The unseeded Cypriot took on World number One Federer with the intention of collecting his maiden grand slam after reaching his first ever grand slam final. Baghdatis went into the match the clear underdog but was definitely the sentimental favourite.

Federer, 24, took it all in his stride and was also hoping to create history of his own. If he won tonight, he would be the first player since Pete Sampras to win three consecutive major tournaments.

Pre-match, Baghdatis’ cheer squad was vocal and Baghdatis soaked it all in, smiling at his adoring crowd. Federer looked relaxed and comfortable as he warmed up for his first Australian Open Final since 2004 when he claimed the Championship after defeating Marat Safin.

Twenty year old Baghdatis, who defeated number two seed Andy Roddick as well as Ivan Ljubicic and David Nalbandian to get to the Final, appeared to have his nerves under control, which was imperative if the Cypriot was to defeat the number one seed.

Federer, who was stretched to five sets by German Tommy Haas in their fourth round match, took the opening break but struggled to shake off Baghdatis. After Federer squandered two break points, Baghdatis swooped to take a one break lead. It was impossible to separate the two in the first set as he continued to hold Federer.

Surprisingly it was a rattled Federer who faltered, allowing Baghdatis to take the first set 7-5 after a fourty minute tug of war.

Refusing to be intimidated by the normally sublime Federer, Baghdatis continued to play impressive tennis. Uncharacteristic errors from Federer saw the Cypriot take the opening break of the second set. Baghdatis was dominating the baseline, confusing his classy opponent. He shot to an early two break lead with a stunned Federer continuing to make errors.

Seemingly down for the count with his opponent holding a one set lead, Federer regained his composure to level the set two-all before taking a one break lead. Baghdatis again rose to the challenge claiming the next break.

Federer replied by winning the next break. The battle continued on between the pair before Baghdatis forfeited a 40-0 lead at 5-6 to give Federer the second set 5-7.

After a lengthy 56 minute second set, the first break of the third set went to a rejuvenated Federer. Sensing the vulnerability of his inexperienced counterpart, Federer powered on to win six successive games and took a 4-0 lead.

As Baghdatis continued to capitulate, Federer surged to take a 5-0 lead. In just 24 minutes Federer won the set 6-0 as a hapless Baghdatis looked on in shock.

Unfortunately for the young Cypriot his demise continued as the World Number One again shot out to an early two break lead. The player who dominated the first set was a distant memory as the mercurial Federer stormed past a lacklustre Baghdatis to take the next break.

Fatigue threatened to derail Baghdatis completely but the rising star clawed his way back to win two breaks and narrow the margin. But the young man ran out of gas as Federer took the deciding set 6-2 as well as the championship.

Despite the result, one thing Baghdatis didn’t lose was his sense of humour. He managed to joke with the crowd and thanked his official cheer squad- which was primarily made up of his numerous cousins and uncles.

Federer was extremely emotional as he savoured the victory. After holding in his emotions for the entire duration of the Final, he was overcome by emotion. He thanked his family, friends and numerous supporters before hugging his idol Rod Lave and dissolving into tears. During the presentation ceremony it was clear that Federer was blown away by his victory.

Although there was no fairytale finish, the meteoric rise of Baghdatis has been the story of the 2006 Australian Open, which also saw the early eliminations of Lleyton Hewitt and Andy Roddick. He goes away from Melbourne Park with a legion of admirers and the knowledge that he can match it with the best of them.

Federer again reigns supreme after his third consecutive grand slam victory. The twenty four year old is also on track to equal Pete Sampras’ record breaking fourteen grand slams. Another of Federer’s aims will be to claim all four major titles in one year; a feat achieved twice by his idol Laver.

Earlier today, comeback queen Martina Hingis and her mixed doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi, garnered a straight sets victory over Canada’s Daniel Nestor and Russian Elena Likhovtseva.

The Canadian/Russian team showed little resistance as Hingis and Bhupathi cruised to a straight sets victory. In just 65 minutes the Swiss Miss and her Indian teammate won the match 6-3, 6-3.

The victory against number six seeds Nestor and Likhovtseva is the first mixed doubles championship for both Hingis and Bhupathi. Both Hingis and Bhupathi were wildcard entrants and it was also Hingis’ first ever mixed doubles final.

Related Article:

Mauresmo Crowned Women's Champion (Sat Jan 28)

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!