Who said what: Sports world reacts to Roger Federer winning Australian Open 2018
With his silky strokes and effortless gliding on the tennis courts, Roger Federer has the capability of leaving many awestruck. And it’s not just mere tennis fans who are mesmerized, even his peers and other sporting greats are equally blown away by the man’s sheer artistry.
And why wouldn’t they be? The kind of hunger, determination and confidence he is exuding at the age of 36 is absolutely unthinkable. Marin Cilic, who is set to rise to the World No. 3 spot, made it pretty tough for him with his gigantic serves and stinging inside-out forehands.
Roger still managed to raise his level at the most crucial moments in the face of the Cilic onslaught and emerged a 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 winner in 3 hours 3 minutes to lay his hands on the Australian Open trophy for the sixth time. This was his 20th Grand Slam win from 30 Major finals.
It made him the fourth player -- man or woman -- to grab 20 or more wins at the biggest stage of the sport.
And he let his tears flow right after receiving the trophy, showing the world how much passion he still had for his sport.
Federer is truly an inspiration not just for his fans, but even for his peers as well. That age is just a number is being demonstrated time and again by the maestro.
It is thus absolutely justified that Twitter was buzzing right after his historic feat. Wishes poured in from all corners as the world revelled in Federer’s brilliance. Stars from the world of tennis, cricket, football and most other sports joined to hail the man of the moment. From Sachin Tendulkar to Steve Smith to Rio Ferdinand to Pankaj Advani, Federer was lauded by one and all.
Here are a few tweets: