World No. 1 Roger Federer is the Australian Open 2010 men’s singles champion, claiming his 16th Grand Slam title with a straight-sets victory over Andy Murray.
The victory marks the fourth time Federer has won the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup at Melbourne Park, his triumph on Sunday adding to victories in 2004, 2006 and 2007.
Federer’s win was only his fifth against Murray in 11 matches, but it did mark the second time he had beaten him in a Grand Slam final after a straight-sets win in the 2008 US Open final. Attempting to become the first British male to win a Grand Slam singles title in 74 years, Murray found himself down a break at 0-2 in the first set before rallying to break back and then level at 2-2. Federer then saved three break points to hold serve at 3-2, firing down two aces as the Scot threatened to grab the momentum.
However, it would be the Swiss who made best use of his opportunities in the first set. He produced a super backhand winner down the line to convert a single break point against Murray’s serve in the eighth game to lead 5-3. The 28 years old served out the set, sending down his fourth ace of the match in claiming it 6-3.
Despite losing the second set, Murray made fewer errors than he had in the first, and found a better rhythm with his first serve. Federer converted just one of seven break points, but his 16 winners many of them spectacular were enough to keep him ahead of an improving Murray.
The Swiss then mounted a memorable comeback from 2-5 down to break back as Murray served for the set, taking it into what would be a thrilling tie-break. The tie-break produced fine shots from both players, and intense drama for the 15,000 fans at Rod Laver Arena as Murray failed to convert four set point chances. Federer missed two championship points, but at 11-12 in favour of the top seed, Murray clipped the net with a backhand, giving Federer his fourth Australian Open title.
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