Laver steals ‘moment of the tournament’
Scenes.#AusOpen #RF20 pic.twitter.com/pvhDat9wjv
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2018
ROD Laver knows what an iconic tennis moment looks like.
The 79-year-old icon, sitting in the stadium named after him, sat in awe as Roger Federer wrapped up his 20th grand slam title and sixth at Melbourne Park in a stunning five-set victory over sixth seed Marin Cilic.
The 36-year-old Federer, fresh from a perfect straight-sets run into 2018's final, looked at his unbelievable best as he wrapped up the tournament against the Croatian 6-2 6-7 6-3 3-6 6-1 in three hours and three minutes.
Never afraid of holding it in, Federer broke down in tears as Rod Laver Arena erupted at his colossal achievement.
"It is unbelievable," Federer told the roaring stadium. "Winning is just an absolute dream come true.
"The fairytale continues for us, for me. After the great year I had last year, it's incredible."
And sitting in the back, not wanting to let the historic moment escape, was Rod Laver. The 12-time grand slam star sent social media abuzz as cameras caught him taking photos of the Swiss maestro crying on his iPhone.
"He is the best, Rocket," Federer said as Jim Courier brought the moment to his attention after the match. "I am so happy when I see him any time ... to see Rocket in the front row taking a picture. I couldn't see it because I was crying too much."
You know how special Federer’s 20th is when the legend Rod Laver is even snapping pics. pic.twitter.com/w5z9V8AgdY
— Caroline Cameron (@SNCaroline) January 28, 2018
Rod Laver taking a photo on his cell phone while Federer stood overwhelmed on the podium has to be the moment of the tournament #AustralianOpen2018
— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) January 28, 2018
Extraordinary moment seeing the greatest men's player ever break down in tears, and Rod Laver capturing it on his cell phone. Remarkable @rogerfederer #AusOpenFinals #GOAT
— Shashank Bengali (@SBengali) January 28, 2018
Rod Laver taking a snap of it all. Priceless.
— Duska Sulicich (@DuskaSulicich) January 28, 2018
