By Moa Jamir "No way would I be a journalist. You guys have tried to kill Roger - often. But he's always come back and proved you wrong. So one thing I would not do is make the mistake of saying Roger is dead," Rafael Nadal once said of Federer to Spanish press when asked if he would write the latter off due to apparent decline in forms. The statement proves prophetic for Nadal on Sunday at the iconic Rod Laver Arena, when one of the greatest rivalries in Tennis was reignited when the two met at the final of the 2017 Australian Open. A common sight during the heydays of their rivalries, injuries and loss of form in recent years, have made it a rare occasion to savor for fans around the world they have enthralled over the years. This was their 35th meeting and it includes 21 finals, which Nadal led 14-7 till Sunday including three wins at Australian Open final and other majors like Roland Garros and Wimbledon. But history deserted Nadal on Sunday. Like a proverbial phoenix, Federer came out on top after a rollercoaster ride 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 lasting three hours and 37 minutes, to etch his name firmly in History. This was his fifth Australian Open title. At 35, Federer becomes the second-oldest man behind Ken Rosewall to win a major singles trophy, and in the process clinched a record 18th grand slam title capping a triumphant return from knee surgery, and an agonizing wait for a major grand slam title in over four and half years since winning the 2012 Wimbledon Championships. He also holds the record of being World No.1 for 302 weeks. But his greatness is not the prodigious trailblazing records, but how effortlessly and elegantly he steered each game in his favor making winning a habit in his prime. "In an era of specialists, you’re either a clay court specialist, a grass court specialist, or a hard court specialist... or you’re Roger Federer," is how Jimmy Connors, another tennis great, described him. A class act both on and off the court, he is often accused of his emotive reaction in victory. But even his rivals doesn’t seem to mind. "I can cry like Roger, it's just a shame I can't play like him," said Andy Murray after losing to Federer in the Australian Open 2010's final. On Sunday, Federer did celebrate with tears in his eyes but remained gracious in victory. "I would have been happy to lose to be honest, the comeback was as good as it was. I hope to see you next year but if not, then it was a wonderful year here and I couldn't be happier tonight," he said. The class act of a true gentleman markedly destined for glory. For any comment, drop a line to moajamir@live.com
