Federer Perfect Against Gonzo to Win Aussie Open

Posted on January 28, 2007

Federer Perfect Against Gonzo to Win Aussie Open

Roger Federer won his third Australian Open crown on Sunday, becoming the first man since 1971 to win the event without dropping a set, defeating No. 10 seed Fernando Gonzalez in the final 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-4.

Gonzalez had a chance to serve for the first set before the Swiss ran away with the tiebreak, then the match.

"He was the better player in the first set," Federer said. "If he closes it out 6-4, it's clear he's the better player in that set. But I came back just at the right moment. I was missing too many forehands, didn't know what to do with his slice. Maybe the wind, maybe his court coverage put me under pressure. I wasn't feeling that great from the start."

Federer saved two set points at 40-15 on Gonzalez's serve in the first.

"I had my opportunity in the first set. I couldn't make it," Gonzalez said. "I feel that he's a great player. He can make everything. But he's defending really well. I mean, when I attack him, he's back in the middle, and that confuse you a little bit. That was really important in his game."

Federer becomes the first player in the Open Era to win three consecutive Grand Slam titles twice in his career, and has extended his match winning streak to a career-best 36.

It is his 10th Grand Slam title, leaving him behind only Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver (11), Roy Emerson (12) and Pete Sampras (14). Federer is now 10-1 in Grand Slam finals and has reached the finals in 23 of the last 24 tournaments he has played since June 2005.

Gonzalez is predicted to rise to career-high No. 5 on the ATP Rankings.

"I have to congratulate again, again Roger," said Gonzalez to the crowd after the final. "He's a great champion. He played a great match today, the whole week and almost all of his life."