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Federer Wins First Slam of the Year

February 23, 2006

The 2006 Australian Open has come and gone, but not without its share of memorable moments.

The first Grand Slam of the tennis season saw the continued dominance of a legend in the making, a remarkable Cinderella story and perhaps an even more incredible comeback story, a slew of injuries which marred the men’s draw, and a first-time Grand Slam champion.

World no. 1 Roger Federer continued to cement his place among the all time greats, winning his seventh and third consecutive Slam. In tough against several of his talented challengers, including Germany’s Tommy Haas and fifth-seeded Nikolay Davydenko of Russia, Federer managed to keep his cool and overcome them with his unparalleled all-court game.

In the finals, Federer’s opponent was little-known Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus, who had left the crowd buzzing with his impressive shot-making and his overt excitement. The Cypriot gave Federer all he could handle in the final, leading 5-7 before Federer took over and won the following three sets, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2. However, with Baghdatis soaring 25 spots up the rankings to no. 27 in the world, you will certainly be hearing more from him in the near future.

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