Federer Wins 16th Grand Slam

Monday, February 1, 2010 -- Roger Federer emerged victorious at the Australian Open on Sunday to win his 16th Grand Slam and his fourth Australian Open title. He bagged the win at the Rod Laver Arena, a fitting change from his dramatic loss at the same arena last year to Rafael Nadal.

His loss to Rafael Nadal was a dramatic one indeed, with Federer sobbing as Rod Laver presented the winner’s trophy to Nadal who later consoled the Swiss player. It was Andy Murray’s turn to become emotional as the trophy was handed to Federer a year later. The Swiss champ hit 46 winning shots and dropped serve twice, winning the match in 2 hours and 41 minutes right after Murray netted a backhand.

The 22-year old Murray later gave an apologetic speech to fans for failing to end the British losing streak, one that has gone on for 74 years.

"Firstly, congratulations Roger, his achievements in tennis are incredible, to keep doing it year after year are pretty incredible. He was a lot better than me tonight.”

Federer was ever the gracious winner, giving the young Scott some encouragement just as Nadal had done so for him, saying,“Well done for your incredible tournament, you played it fantastic, he said. "You're too good of a player not to win a Grand Slam, so don't worry about it.

Murray had set a record by being the first British man to reach two majors finals and was hoping to become the first to win one of the four tennis majors. The last Brit tennis player to do so was Fred Perry in 1936.