Federer beats Nadal 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3
The Swiss, 35, wins a record 18th major title
Image source, EPAWhat a day. What a fortnight. What a career!
We're signing off a truly extraordinary Australian Open with the image that many thought they never see again - Roger Federer planting a smacker on another Grand Slam trophy.
A 19th at Roland Garros? Or a 15th for Nadal? Don't rule anything out. Cheerio!
Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
It's party time for the Federer camp tonight. Roger likes a glass of bubbly after a success apparently...
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Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
Andy Murray's coach Jamie Delgado jokes about Federer's incredible longevity...
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Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
German player Sabine Lisicki uses her Twitter account to praise Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Rod Laver.
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Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
Aaah! A lovely image as Mrs Fed greets Mr Fed in the Laver corridor, a bone-crunching hug between the pair followed by a sloppy smooch.
Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
Roger Federer, silverware wrapped under his left arm, red tennis bag draped over his right shoulder, has wandered back inside the Rod Laver Arena. A straightening of his side-parting before a cheeky wave to the camera. A man who always looks immaculate, even after a three-and-a-half hour shift.
Image source, Getty ImagesFederer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
And some words from Milos Raonic, who was defeated in the quarter-finals by Rafa.
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Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
Roger Federer's semi-final opponent and compatriot Stan Wawrinka has taken to Twitter
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Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
Thousands of Federer and Nadal fans, who couldn't nab tickets for the match, also packed into the neighbouring Margaret Court Arena at Melbourne Park to watch this epic on a big screen.
And their fandom is going to be repaid by the new champion heading in later to parade his new bling.
Image source, Getty ImagesFederer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
Even the legendary Billie Jean King is using the 'goat' emoji to hail Roger Federer...
* GOAT = Greatest Of All Time
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Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
The flashbulbs are flickering as Roger Federer poses for the classic kissing-the-trophy snap in front of a small army of photographers. That's coming to a back page of a newspaper near you tomorrow morning. (And the BBC Sport website sooner rather than later.)
Image source, ReutersFederer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
More from Federer: "I'd like to thank Rafa's team. Keep playing Rafa. Tennis needs you.
"You guys fill up the seats and make it a wonderful experience to fight harder, and harder, and one more time.
"It's because of you guys we are standing here tonight and we fought like we could. You guys made it super special for me.
"I've been coming here for almost 20 years now. I've always enjoyed it and now my family does too.
"Thanks again for everything, to everybody. I hope to see you next year. If not, this was a wonderful run here and I can't be more happy to win tonight."
Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
Australian Open 2017 champion Roger Federer: "I'm out of words and Rafa said so many great things. I'd like to congrautlate Rafa on an amazing comeback.
"I don't think either one of us believed we'd be in the finals in Australia when we saw each other at your academy four, five months ago. And here we stand. I am happy for you. I would have been happy to lose to you. The comeback was perfect.
"Tennis is a tough sport. There are no draws. If there were I would have been happy to accept one tonight and share it with Rafa.
"Everybody says they work very hard - I do the same - but I try not to shout about it. I'd like to thank my team. It's been a different last six months. I didn't think I'd make it but here I am."
Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
Is Roger going to crack? The chin is trembling, the bottom lip quivering. Emotions threaten to get the better of the Maestro - and understandably so.
Image source, Getty ImagesFederer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
Argentine player Juan Martin Del Potro pays tribute to the two players...
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Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
Whoops greet every stat read out by Craig Tiley as he welcomes the new (old) champion onto the stage. His 18th major, his fifth Australian Open title, his 100th match here in Melbourne... What a story.
Then the roof is almost blasted off as the main man Roger Federer walks up to collect the trophy. He shares a warm embrace with Rod Laver, then cradles the prize in his arm like a new-born.
Image source, ReutersFederer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
More from Rafael Nadal: "All the events have been unforgettable. Especially here. Melbourne is always going to be in my heart. I had some hard time without being able to compete at full competition.
"Some injuries, not new for me, but it's hard when that happens. I worked very hard to get where I am today. I fight a lot, probably Roger deserved it a little bit more than me today.
"I'm just going to keep trying. I feel I am back at a very high level. I will keep fighting the whole season to have a great season and to come back here for so many years and keep trying to have that trophy with me.
"It's the third time I have this (plate) with me - it is beautiful but the trophy is better! Thank you to my team and for all the support, everyone who has made it possible for me to be here."
Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
Rafael Nadal, 2017 Australian Open runner-up: "First of all, can I say congrats to Roger and all his team. Just amazing the way that he is playing after such a long time without being on the tour. It's very difficult to make that happen. I feel very happy for you.
"For me, personally, it has been a great month. for the first time in my career I spend one full month here, in Brisbane, then Sydney and here. It's been amazing for me, I really enjoyed this beautiful country and the fantastic people, supporting all the events."
Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
Rafa Nadal shows us his magnanimous best. "I think Roger deserves it," he says graciously. And he believes he is back to his best and will challenge for more Slams in the future. It's hard to disagree from what we've seen over the past fortnight.
Federer 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 Nadal
Beaten finalist Rafa Nadal looks solemn as he is welcomed onto the makeshift stage after some lovely words from Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley. He almost breaks out into a half smile as he collects a large silver plate from Rod Laver. He won't be using that for his chicken and chips tonight.
Image source, Reuters