"That has to be the most memorable match"- Craig Tiley on Australian Open 2017 final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal 

Craig Tiley, the CEO of Tennis Australia, recently recalled the epic Australian Open 2017 final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. In a recent interview with the Australian Open, Tiley described the five-set contest as "the most memorable match" he's ever seen at Melbourne Park.

Returning after a six-month injury hiatus, Federer embarked on a stunning run to his 18th Grand Slam title. Interestingly, it was the first Major that he won in five years after defeating the likes of Mischa Zverev, Stan Wawrinka, and Rafael Nadal.

Tiley said he thought the match was done and dusted when the Spaniard took a 3-lead in the final set and that he was extremely surprised that Federer fought back to win.

"Who can forget the 2017 final, Rafa v Roger! At one point, it looked like Roger was going to win it in the fourth set. Rafa took that set and then took a lead in the fifth set. It looked like he was on a roll. I remember being up, talking to a few people, and thinking maybe this is the beginning of Rafa finishing the set pretty quickly but it wasn't," said Tiley.

Tiley admitted it was the best match he had experienced as a spectator.

Rafael Nadal, Rod Laver, and Roger Federer at the Australian Open 2017

"Roger took a turn. 3-1, he was down, and very quickly, it became three all. It's a different match. That has to be the most memorable match, [it] certainly was the most memorable I had experienced at Melbourne Park," added Tiley.

Roger Federer resumes training after his third knee surgery

Roger Federer at the Wimbledon Championships 2021

Swiss reporter Arnaud Cerutti of RTS recently reported that Roger Federer is back in training and is looking forward to beginning his practice sessions on the court soon.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion last featured in a professional match against Hubert Hurkacz at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, who defeated him in straight sets in the quarterfinals.

Roger Federer was supposed to make a comeback in April or May 2022. It remains to be seen when Federer will be able to return to competitive action.