As it Happened: Roger Federer Defeats Marin Cilic to Win 2018 Australian Open, 20th Grand Slam Title

No. 2 Roger Federer beat No. 6 Marin Cilic in the 2018 Australian Open final on Sunday in Melbourne to win his 20th Grand Slam title.
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No. 2 Roger Federer defeated No. 6 Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 to win the 2018 Australian Open title, his sixth in Melbourne and 20th Grand Slam of his career.

Federer cruised in the first set, winning 6-2 after just 24 minutes under a closed roof on Rod Laver Arena. In the second set, Cilic stormed back to win 7-6(5) and level the match. Behind solid serving, Federer captured the third set 6-3 but Cilic fought his way back in the fourth to win 6-3 and force a fifth and deciding set. To start the final set, Federer fought off two break points to hold and then broke Cilic for a 2-0 lead. On match point, Cilic challenged the call but the Hawk-Eye replay showed the ball was in, delaying Federer's moment for just a second before the crowd rose to their feet to celebrate the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

After going four years without winning a major, Federer has now won three of the last five.

Relive the entire match as it happened below.


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Jamie Lisanti
JAMIE LISANTI

Jamie Lisanti is an assistant managing editor at Sports Illustrated. A former college soccer player, she covers a variety of topics, including tennis, Olympics, fitness and nutrition, and more.