Roger Federer's 3 most memorable matches at the Australian Open

#1 2017 Final: Beats Rafael Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3

Federer beat Nadal to lift his 5th Australian Open title in 2017

Following the longest injury layoff of his illustrious career, World No. 17 Roger Federer exceeded expectations by reeling off respective five-set wins over Kei Nishikori in the fourth round and Stan Wawrinka in the semifinals. It was the then 35-year-old's first Australian Open final in seven years, the last coming in his 2020 title triumph.

Federer's quest to end a four and a half year Major drought faced a formidable hurdle in the form of Rafael Nadal. Federer was winless against his arch-nemesis in Grand Slam matches since the 2007 Wimbledon final - a run which encompassed semifinal losses at the Australian Open in 2012 and 2014, and a five-set final defeat in 2009.

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Despite the odds stacked against him, Federer made a characteristically brisk start by taking the opener 6-4. But Nadal responded by taking a 4-0 lead in the second en route to restoring parity at a set apiece.

Federer escaped three break points in the opening game of the third, and that proved crucial. Two breaks of the Nadal serve enabled the Swiss maestro take a two sets to one lead.

The return of one of the Open Era's grandest rivalries to the Grand Slam stage lived up to its billing as both players produced rallies and groundstrokes of jaw-dropping brilliance. A fifth set ensued where Nadal took a 3-1 lead, and at that point he looked set to continue his Major domination over Federer.

But Federer on the day had other ideas. Refusing to go down without a fight, Federer converted his sixth break point of the set to break back for 3-3, and then took a decisive 5-3 lead two games later.

Despite seeing Nadal save two championship points, the Swiss maestro sealed his 18th Grand Slam title with a forehand which was called in by Hawkeye.

In the process, Federer lifted his 5th Australian Open title and became the first player ever to win five titles at three different Grand Slam tournaments.

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