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Federer is truly the greatest of them all

Federer was called the greatest at his peak by many pundits.

With the 20th Grand Slam title, Roger Federer has become the greatest of all time (GOAT). By outplaying his younger rival Marin Cilic in a hard-fought five-set battle for the sixth Australian Open, the 36-year-old Swiss has entered an incredible territory of greatness. Federer seemed in complete command when he had an early break in the fourth set but Cilic had two breaks and won the set. There were doubts if older Fedex could deliver the knockout punch against his seven-year younger Croatian rival as the title clash went on to the fifth set. The Swiss not only lasted the full distance but blasted his rival in the sixth game of the fifth set by not conceding a point. When Federer won the Australian Open last year, many thought it to be his valedictory 18th Grand Slam title. But he knows how to surprise all with his sheer dint of hardwork and consistency. He not only added another Wimbledon and an Australian Open trophy under his belt but continues to chug on, defying age and wear and tear, while his close rivals capitulate to injuries and tumble by the wayside. The world number one Rafael Nadal, six-time champion Novak Djokovic, and former champion Stan Wawrinka all have conceded their Australian Open matches to injuries.
Federer was called the greatest at his peak by many pundits. His reign then, as the number one player, lasted for record 237 successive weeks from 2004-2007. During that period, Federer had won 11 major titles, totally dominating the men's field as no one had done before. Federer, who reached the summit clash without dropping a set, has now joined Djokovic and Roy Emerson with the most Australian Open titles. He has also extended his own record of 30 Grand Slam summit clashes. Federer's one-handed backhand is beautiful, as is his smooth forehand. His first serves were consistent and deceptive in the Australian final. Federer has seemingly no visible flaws in his game and that's one of the reasons he is considered great. The latest one is the crowning glory and definitely of Bradmanesque proportions.