MELBOURNE, Australia — It was Roger Federer’s unlikeliest victory in a Grand Slam tournament, which is quite a statement for a 35-year-old who has now won 18 of them.
But where else should one rank this Australian Open, where Federer was rightfully viewed as an underdog? Where he arrived seeded just 17th, having not played an official tournament for more than six months? Where he faced his friendly nemesis Rafael Nadal in the final round on sore legs?
Even Federer’s own expectations were tempered for a change.
“I would have said a great event would be quarters,” Federer said.