A memorable 2017 Australian Open ended Sunday with an historic 18th grand slam victory by Roger Federer, who leaps in celebration on the Sport cover for the Monday, January 30 edition of The National.
The five-set victory came over Federer's greatest rival, Rafael Nadal, in a culmination of a throwback grand slam that also featured one more classic showdown on the women's side between sisters and long-time on-court rivals Serena and Venus Williams. Serena won her record 23rd slam.
As for Federer, he was gracious in victory toward his old rival Nadal:
“There are no draws in tennis but I would have been happy to share one with Rafa tonight,” he said. “I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. I hope to see you next year and if not it’s been a wonderful run here.”
Nadal was similarly sporting in defeat:
“Congrats to Roger, just amazing the way he’s playing after so long away from the tour,” the 30-year-old said.
“It’s been a great month for me; I worked a lot to get where I am today. It was a great match and I think Roger probably deserved it a little more than me. I will keep on fighting.”
Check out photos from the men's and women's finals, and stick with The National for more tennis coverage.
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