Federer: "Just human"

ByEurosport

Published 29/01/2006 at 18:02 GMT

Roger Federer was an emotional man after beating Marcos Baghdatis to clinch his seventh major title at the Australian Open on Sunday. After coming from a set down against his inexperienced opponent, he was moved to tears during his victory speech; "I can'

Having survived an early scare, dropping the first set before showing some of his best form to complete a four set victory, the top seed showed the emotional toll that he had had to suffer on his way to a second Australian Open crown.

TENNIS 2006 AUSTRALIAN OPEN Federer R. - Baghdatis M. final

Image credit: Reuters

"I felt very nervous going into the match," said Federer. "I can't remember when I was last that nervous.

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"When I won I was so relieved I got through," he said. "When I was standing there with Marcos waiting for the ceremony, I was very relaxed. Once I got up on the stage it all changed.

"It was a different type of grand slam victory and I think that's why I was so emotional in the end."

HARD WORK

This had been one of Federer's hardest journeys to major success after suffering an alarming drop in form during his fourth round match against Tommy Haas.

After that, he failed to show his best form against both Nikolay Davydenko and Nicolas Kiefer, before being forced to play second fiddle against an inspired Baghdatis in the early stages of the final.

"I was struggling so much to hold serve for a set and a half," he admitted. "I was sweating like crazy because I had to fight so hard on my own service games.

TENNIS 2006 AUSTRALIAN OPEN Final Federer

Image credit: dpa

"I thought if this is going to continue like this, I'll probably lose.

"He was the better shot-maker in the beginning and he totally deserved the first set."

However, as the match wore on, the 20-year-old from Limassol began to run out of gas after an arduous route to the final himself, and was well beaten by the end of the match.

LEGACY

This title now puts Federer on track to maybe match Pete Sampras in the all-time list. The American amassed a stunning 14 grand slam titles during his career, but at 24 years-of-age, the world number one still has plenty of time to reach this landmark.

Certainly, his humility is refreshing for one so talented, and his attitude is one of the reasons he seems to arrive at every tournament ready to add to his monument.

"I'm definitely on a great roll at the moment but don't forget it's been a tough road for me," Federer said.

"I amaze myself every time I do well. I've been so consistent, winning so many slams, it's quite incredible.

"I'll just try to keep it up, stay healthy and keep enjoying it, because that's what I'm doing, and I think that's what makes me play well."

The tennis world waits with baited breath for the French Open, starting in May, as Federer looks to complete his 'Roger Slam' and hold all four major championships simultaneously.

Re-Live: Federer v Baghdatis