Celebrating the presentation of the 2018 Australian Open that will be played from 15th to 28th January,  Roger Federer  recalled his 2017 win over  Rafael Nadal  in an unbelievable five-setter. It was Federer’s first official tournament since the six-month break, and he had not expected such a fairytale return.

‘I didn’t see it coming this way, I thought maybe that if the stars aligned, that I would make quarters or semis and maybe beat one or two top-10 players. That’s what I thought I had in me,’  the Swiss admitted.  ‘I was hoping that maybe down the stretch in the season, starting Wimbledon or US Open, that’s when I was gonna be 100%.

Federer defeated; Photo AFP

But before that I just knew I needed time. So winning the Australian Open was a surprise.’  He still celebrates this success: ‘When I am home sometimes and I drink champagne with my family or friends, we are like “this is for Australian Open”.

We’re still joking about it, because that’s a crazy moment in my life. We couldn’t believe. Being down 1-3 with Rafa, it was disbelief. It was like surreal.’  And he will play next year as well, hoping to win his 20th Grand Slam title: ‘I hope it’s gonna be just  another dream magical run  in Melbourne and just enjoy the atmosphere and play for the people.’