SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images
As it Happened: Roger Federer Defeats Marin Cilic to Win 2018 Australian Open, 20th Grand Slam Title
No. 2 Roger Federer defeated No. 6 Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 to win the 2018 Australian Open title, his sixth in Melbourne and 20th Grand Slam of his career.
Federer cruised in the first set, winning 6-2 after just 24 minutes under a closed roof on Rod Laver Arena. In the second set, Cilic stormed back to win 7-6(5) and level the match. Behind solid serving, Federer captured the third set 6-3 but Cilic fought his way back in the fourth to win 6-3 and force a fifth and deciding set. To start the final set, Federer fought off two break points to hold and then broke Cilic for a 2-0 lead. On match point, Cilic challenged the call but the Hawk-Eye replay showed the ball was in, delaying Federer's moment for just a second before the crowd rose to their feet to celebrate the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
After going four years without winning a major, Federer has now won three of the last five.
Relive the entire match as it happened below.
