Dream win for Federer

New world number one Roger Federer outclassed jaded Russian Marat Safin to win the Australian Open and then hailed his achievements in Melbourne this week as a dream come true.

Federer, as he did to Mark Philippoussis at Wimbledon last summer, wore down his opponent with relentless brilliance to win the championship without dropping a set in the final.

Safin’s heart was willing but, after consecutive five-set victories over the top seed Andy Roddick and defending champion Andre Agassi, his body was weak and Federer glided to a majestic 7-6 (7/3) 6-4 6-2 victory.

Federer, who does not have a coach, replaced Andy Roddick on top of the world rankings on Friday with his semi-final victory over Juan Carlos Ferrero.

“What a great start to the year for me to win the Australian Open and to become number one in the world,” said Federer.

“To fulfil my dream of winning the Open and reaching number one, particularly in a stadium with some mixed memories because of Davis Cup, means so much to me.”

When Safin’s forehand sailed long on championship point, Federer sunk to his knees, raised his arms in the air and cried out “yes” before acknowledging the applause of the Rod Laver Arena crowd.

Federer had been broken twice in the first set as Safin battled hard, but a convincing tiebreak performance gave him the mental edge over the tiring Russian.

The 24-year-old then rattled through to a straight sets victory in convincing fashion.

“I would like to say congratulations Roger, first of all with becoming the number one player in the world and with beating me today,” said Safin.

“He is a great player. He has all the shots. He is the most complete player on the tour. It was really impressive tennis these last two weeks and well done.”

Federer became the 22nd Australian Open champion and ended a run of different major winners at the last eight Grand Slam tournaments.

Unlike Wimbledon, there were no tears on court this time, just a ruthless execution that was too much for Safin, whose presence in the final at all was remarkable given he had spent last year plagued by injury.

When forced to spend time with his wrist in a cast, Safin had had time to contemplate his career and arrived back on tour determined to regain his rightful place in the top 10.

But it has been, and will continue to be a battle. He survived a punishing 27 sets in six rounds over 18 hours, 49 minutes to reach the final.

The total of 148 games lost are the most by any player in a Grand Slam tournament.

“I am really sorry, I just ran out of gas today,” said the 2002 runner-up.

"I am glad to be in the finals again and play my best tennis after so many injuries last year.”

Safin’s efforts were praised by Federer, who echoed the thoughts of tennis enthusiasts the world over in welcoming the Muscovite back into the group of leading men.

“Congratulations to Marat, he has been on court way longer than me (this fortnight) and it is great to see him back because he is a great guy and great player,” said Federer.

Safin had proved the ‘New Marat’ was a fighter and when the bell rang, the first set was a real wrestling match as first Safin and then Federer found themselves a break up.

The Russian was banking on extreme power, but Federer is a complete player, almost impossible to put away and after falling a break behind ran off three consecutive games to move ahead.

His control of points from the baseline proved too much for Safin, who was being forced wide or overpowered as Federer rose 4-2 ahead.

But Safin was still full of heart and unleashed a series of blistering returns which, combined with a double fault, earned the break back.

The tiebreak, though, was a different story and Safin’s poor first serve was beginning to prove costly as Federer leaped on his predictable second ball, always kicked and to the backhand.

Safin had served 123 aces in six matches during the tournament but only three today.

“The legs are the most important part of the serve, you need to bend your legs and I couldn’t,” he said.

“My legs were just too tired to do this.”

That began to frustrate Safin who, while his battling qualities are not in doubt – he saved 13 of 18 break points – remains of fragile confidence.

A double fault and backhand into the net gave Federer a 3-2 lead in the second set. He then held consecutive games to love as another of Safin’s racquets bit the dust in a typical fit of rage.

Safin’s previous exertions seemed to be taking their toll as Federer cruised on though, moving freely and punishing wickedly to move two breaks up and start his season in style.