ROGER Federer is the Australian Open champion after a dominant straight-sets win over Brit Andy Murray on Sunday night.
Murray had no answer for the power and precision of the Swiss champ, going down 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (13-11) in around three hours.
The losing Scotsman got emotional while making his runners-up speech, just as Federer had done last year after losing to Rafa Nadal in five sets.
“I can cry like Roger, it's just a shame I can't play like him,” Murray said while apologising to Britain for not bringing home their first Grand Slam in more than 70 years.
“His achievements in tennis are incredible and he was a lot better than me tonight."
But the night belonged to Roger. It was his 16th Grand Slam victory, which is now two clear of anyone, ever. It was his fourth Australian Open victory, which leaves only Australian Roy Emerson with more victories at six.
Federer said he “had to work extremely hard” and pick the right shot but aside from a closely contested third set, particularly the tiebreak that went to 13-11, it never really looked like he would be seriously challenged.
“I played some of the best tennis of my life these two weeks," he said.
Federer had been talking tough prior to the match, saying Murray needed to win more than he did, but he was more himself in his post-match speech.
“You’re too good a player not to win a Grand Slam… don’t worry about it."
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