Re-living Federer's 6 title triumphs at the Australian Open

#5 2017: Beats Rafael Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3

Federer takes home his 5th Australian Open title in 2017

Following the longest significant injury layoff in his illustrious career, World No. 17 Roger Federer exceeded expectations by reeling off respective five set wins over Kei Nishikori in the fourth round and Stan Wawrinka in the semifinals. It was his first Australian Open final in 7 years, since his latest title triumph at the tournament in 2010.

The Swiss maestro's quest to end a four and a half year Major drought faced a formidable hurdle in the form of Rafael Nadal. Ahead of the pair's first Grand Slam final meeting, Federer was winless against his arch-nemesis in Grand Slam matches since the 2007 Wimbledon final - a run which encompassed semifinal losses at the Australian Open in 2012 and 2014 and a five-set final defeat in 2009.

Despite the odds stacked against him, Federer made a characteristically brisk start by taking the opener 6-4. But Nadal responded by taking a 4-0 lead in the second en route to restoring parity at a set apiece.

Federer escaped three break points in the opening game of the third and that proved crucial. Two breaks of the Nadal serve enabled the Swiss maestro take a two sets to one lead.

The return of one of the Open Era's grandest rivalries to the Grand Slam stage lived up to its billing as both players produced rallies and groundstrokes of jaw dropping brilliance. A fifth set ensued where Nadal took a 3-1 lead, and at that point he looked set to continue his Major domination over Federer.

But Federer on the day had other ideas. Refusing to go down without a fight, Federer converted his sixth break point of the set to break back for 3-3, and then took a decisive 5-3 lead two games later. Despite seeing Nadal save two championship points, the Swiss maestro sealed his 18th Grand Slam title with a forehand which was called in by Hawkeye.

In the process, Federer lifted his 5th Australian Open title and became the first player ever to win 5 titles at three different Grand Slam tournaments.

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