Roger Federer survives five-set test against Marin Cilic to claim 20th Grand Slam title

Updated 28/01/2018 at 13:19 GMT

Roger Federer cemented his status as the greatest male tennis player of all time by collecting his 20th Grand Slam title courtesy of a 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 6-1 win over Marin Cilic.

An emotional Roger Federer of Switzerland poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup

Image credit: Getty Images

Rod Laver Arena - with its roof closed, to some controversy – was treated to a dramatic occasion as the No. 2 seed secured his sixth Australian Open title, drawing level with the record set by Roy Emerson and Novak Djokovic.

But it was the move to a 20th Grand Slam title – four clear of Rafa Nadal, six more than Pete Sampras and eight in advance of Djokovic and Emerson – which endowed the night with heavy symbolism as Federer showed all his cunning, grace and no little power to hold off a spirited fightback from Cilic and win in five.

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"I'm so happy its unbelievable," Federer said.

"Winning is an absolute dream come true. The fairytale continues for us, and for me. After the year I had last year… its incredible."

Federer promptly lost it at the end of his victory speech. "And my team, I love you guys. Thank you," Federer, cradling the Norman Brookes Cup, said with a quivering voice before breaking down in tears.

Federer: The fairytale continues for me

The show of emotion triggered a standing ovation in the terraces, the tears spreading to his wife Mirka and parents in the players' box. Tennis great Rod Laver, 79, snapped the moment on his mobile phone for posterity.

It is a different emotion, clearly. The first (Grand Slam title) is like 'oh my god! I was able to win one'. The rest now doesn't really matter at this point. This one here tonight reminded me more of maybe the 2006 win when I beat (Marcos) Baghdatis in the finals. I had a great run to the finals (in 2006) and was a huge favourite going in ... I was just so relieved when everything was said and done I think I felt the same way tonight. That is why I couldn't speak, it was terrible.

Cilic said: “It’s amazing what Roger does year after year. This could have been the best two weeks of my life, but Roger played great tennis, especially in the fifth set.

"I hope I’m going to be playing here for many years to come.”

Cilic: Hopefully I'm going to be lifting these trophies in future

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Federer looked to be cruising towards the title at 3-1 up in the fourth, before Cilic rattled off five games in succession to leave the world number two reeling, and needing to find something extra in the fifth set. That he did as he overcame Cilic in dominant denouement.

The Swiss polished off the first set in 24 minutes as predictions that an indoor environment would play to his strengths proved prescient. Sixth seed Cilic was struggling badly with his game and only won four points in the opening four games.

Stunning backhand return sets tone as Federer dominates

The Croatian, who won only eight games and was reduced to tears as he suffered from foot blisters in a brutal three-set defeat to Federer in the Wimbledon final last year, dug deep and took the second set in a tie-break.

A break to make it 4-2 in the third proved decisive for Federer, and he appeared to be marching towards title No. 20 when he broke Cilic in the opening game of the fourth set too.

But 29-year-old Cilic drew level at 3-3 and five games in a row handed him the fourth set to ensure a dramatic conclusion.

Federer's wife Mirka was on her feet urging him on as the Swiss survived break points under intense pressure from Cilic in his first service game of the fifth set. He then immediately broke Cilic and took full advantage as his opponent collapsed.