Federer lands a perfect 10
(Reuters)Updated: 2007-01-29 08:52
MELBOURNE, Jan 28 - Roger Federer achieved a perfect 10 at the Australian Open on Sunday -- and there was not a tear in sight.
The defending champion quelled the challenge of swashbuckling Chilean Fernando Gonzalez 7-6 6-4 6-4 to lift his 10th grand slam trophy.
But unlike 12 months ago, when the Swiss endearingly sobbed into Rod Laver's shoulders during the presentation ceremony, the world number one simply beamed as he held aloft the Norman Brookes cup for the third time.
"I'll try to keep it together this time," Federer, hugging the trophy close to his chest, said as the crowd roared with laughter.
"We all remember what happened last year.
"It's been a long (two) weeks but it all works out in the end so it's just wonderful.
"I've had a great run here again this year. I'm very proud to be holding this trophy again."
Federer's victory over the 10th seed finished off the most dominant men's grand slam campaign in 27 years. Not since Bjorn Borg's run to the 1980 Roland Garros title had a man won a major without dropping a set in the tournament.
After sealing victory with a searing backhand winner, Federer shrieked out a jubilant 'Yes' and promptly collapsed on to his back.
Covering his face with his hands, Federer tried to calm down before he dragged himself to his feet to acknowledge the cheers and the standing ovation with raised arms.
"Roger's a great champion, he played a really good match today, all week, and almost all his life," Gonzalez added as he pocketed the biggest cheque of his career.
Federer joined American Bill Tilden on 10 slams and now trails Pete Sampras's all-time record by just four. He improved his win-loss record to 10-1 in major finals, with his solitary defeat inflicted by Rafael Nadal at last year's French Open.
That blemish thwarted Federer's chance of holding the full set of majors at once, achieved by Laver and Don Budge.
But by becoming the first man in the professional era to win three consecutive majors twice in his career, talk of Federer completing the Grand Slam will again gather momentum once he flies out of Australia.
GONZALEZ SPELL
Gonzalez had lived a charmed life over the past fortnight as he took the baton from last year's runner-up Marcos Baghdatis in capturing the public's imagination with his cavalier demeanour on court.
Local favourite Lleyton Hewitt, fifth seed James Blake, second seed Rafael Nadal and Germany's Tommy Haas all fell under his spell.
But as Gonzalez stepped out for his first slam final, the numbers were
clearly stacked against him.
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