Federer beats Baghdatis in Australian Open finals

Federer is the champion yet again!!!!!! His seventh grand slam title, and in what style. The opposition was stiff with the unseeded Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis putting the audience in awe with his superbly timed and placed power shots and quick sprints across the court. In fact, this was best described by a commentator when he said - "For the first time after a very very long time, there is a look of concern on the world champion's face (read Federer's face)". Yes, it has been a long long time since Federer was really put to test, but the man is made of steel!!!! He passed the test with flying colours, yet again!!!

As for Baghdatis, he is a real champion-in-the-making. There was nothing one could put against him except that it was Federer on the other side. His shots were brilliant, timing and placing - excellent and agility - superb. In fact, he is said to have created the most hula in Melbourne in this series. His supporters were strong, and the sweet looking girl (his girlfriend) who was always there in the stands to cheer for him - WOW!!!! Anybody can go and conquer the moon for a girl like that. I am a staunch supporter of Federer and yet, when Baghdatis lost, I felt a tinge of pity for him. His game was great; hands-down. I hope he is able to make it to the top three seeds some time in the near future.

The most emotional moment of the entire episode, though, was when Federer cried after being awarded the trophy by the legendary Rod Laver. I was amazed to see that biggies like Federer are also subject to these "lesser" human emotions and can afford to cry in public :) It felt good though - that Federer is also a human who has achieved what he has through sheer practice and perseverance. May he play on to scale heights that no one else has achieved. Same goes for the dynamic Marcos Baghdatis.

Kshitiz