SPORTS WINGER

World No. 1 Roger Federer is the Australian Open 2010 men’s singles champion, claiming his 16th Grand Slam title with a straight-sets victory over Andy Murray.

The top-seed’s ability to seize on vital opportunities proved to be the difference against the 22-year-old, as he fought off a late challenge to win the match 6-3 6-4 7-6(11) in two hours and 41 minutes before a capacity crowd at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night.

Murray fought bravely against his more experienced opponent, but lacked the composure that aided Federer on the crucial points to eventually succumb to the Swiss.

The victory marks the fourth time Federer has won the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup at Melbourne Park, his triumph on Sunday adding to victories in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

Federer’s win was only his fifth against Murray in 11 matches, but it did mark the second time he had beaten him in a Grand Slam final after a straight-sets win in the 2008 US Open final.

Attempting to become the first British male to win a Grand Slam singles title in 74 years, Murray found himself down a break at 0-2 in the first set before rallying to break back and then level at 2-2.

Federer then saved three further break points to hold serve at 3-2, firing down two aces as the Scot threatened to grab the momentum.

However, it would be the Swiss who made best use of his opportunities in the first set. He produced a superb backhand winner down the line to convert a single break point against Murray’s serve in the eighth game to lead 5-3.

The 28-year-old then served out the set, sending down his fourth ace of the match in claiming it 6-3. Although the nine games had been tightly contested, the Scot was able to convert only one of his four break point chances, while Federer jumped on two of his three and hit 12 winners to Murray’s five.

Murray swapped his blue shirt for a white version in between sets, but his luck didn’t change as Federer’s momentum continued, breaking the world No. 4 in the third game and consolidating the lead with a strong service game. Murray held tough for the rest of the set, denying Federer six further break point opportunities – but with the break to his advantage, the Swiss was able to close out the set 6-4 in 46 minutes.

Despite losing the second set, Murray made fewer errors than he had in the first, and found a better rhythm with his first serve. Federer converted just one of seven break points, but his 16 winners – many of them spectacular – were enough to keep him ahead of an improving Murray.

The frustration grew for Murray early in the third set as he made an unforced error to miss a break point opportunity, slapping his racquet into the ground out of anger. But the Scot rebounded and lifted his intensity midway through the set, breaking Federer to take a 4-2 lead.

The Swiss then mounted a memorable comeback from 2-5 down to break back as Murray served for the set, taking it into what would be a thrilling tie-break.

The tie-break produced fine shots from both players, and intense drama for the 15,000 fans at Rod Laver Arena as Murray failed to convert four set point chances.

Federer missed two championship points, but at 11-12 in favour of the top seed, Murray clipped the net with a backhand, giving Federer his fourth Australian Open title.

The world No. 1 ended the match hitting 46 winners to Murray’s 29, but more crucially he converted four of his 12 break point chances, while Murray managed just two of eight.

Fast facts

- Federer served at 66 per cent on first serves, while Murray landed 57 per cent of his.

- Murray produced 36 unforced errors to Federer’s 42.

- The Swiss had 46 winners, 17 more than the Scot.

- Federer converted four of 12 break point chances, while Murray capitalised on two from eight