Swiss professional tennis champion, Roger Federed, beat Spanish champion Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open for 18th major. The clash was an extraordinary comeback for the duo who have just recovered from injuries and are now older than most opponents.
I don't think either one of us believed we were going to be in the finals at the Australian Open... four, five months ago, and here we stand in the finals, Federer said.
That surprising victory made the Swiss player very happy, but the same cannot be said about Nadal: This is beautiful, but it's still much better, the (other) trophy, he said as he looked sadly at the runner-up trophy.
This victory for Federer was a payback for losing to Nadal back in the 2009 Australian Open final in five sets and he is going to celebrate big time. We are going to party like rock stars, he said.
He added: Emotions poured out of me. Of course I was seeing my entire support team, (wife) Mirka going bananas. It was cool.
This is the first time Nadal loses to Federer at a grand slam since Wimbledon in 2007. He was 7-2 in grand slam finals against his friend and 23-11 overall.
Tennis great and current Australian Open Men's Champion Roger Federer took time from his celebrations and answering questions about his possible retirement to salute his former coach, who helped him make it to the top.
Peter Carter was the Swiss tennis star's coach who tragically died in a car accident in South Africa just before Federer's 21st birthday.
Federer said: Peter Carter had the biggest impact on me in terms of my technique. That's what so many people talk about.
He added: When they talk about my effortless style and technique, I guess. I was able to perfect in later in my life, but he set the foundation, and that's why I'm so happy that his parents were at the finals yesterday and saw me win.
That really meant a lot to me.
Federer also praised his other Australian coach, Tony Roche: Rochey, like every coach I've had, took me to the next level.
He made me work extremely hard. I like the old-school work ethic that Rochey brought to the table. He had a winning mentality and every day we had together was a great one. It was definitely something special with Peter and Rochey.
The Swiss professional tennis player who is ranked as number 10 by the Association of Tennis Professionals also spoke about his ties to Australia as it all started there for him.
I won my first match maybe against Michael Chang here (Australia) back in 2000, he said. I go way back. Always loved coming here.
Despite the outcome of the match, Nadal said he'll away away from Melbourne in good spirits.
I believe that if I have my body in the right conditions, I can have a great year because I feel I am playing well, said Nadal, who was bidding for a first major since 2004.
I am with big personal satisfaction, Nadal said. I cannot say I am sad.