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Roger Federer was too much for Andy Murray this evening in Melbourne, winning his fourth Australian Open and 16th Grand Slam title, beating the ailing Brit in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (13-11). Although it seemed at times that Murray was able to get under Fed’s skin and really frustrate the Swiss master and unhinge his game, Federer prevailed each time. He found his serve midway through the first half, and eventually, his ability to fire in those winners (including the backhand) and dominate many games with his serve (11 aces didn’t do him justice) were enough to grab the victory.

Murray’s third set, despite carrying himself on an injured leg, was excellent, but Federer managed to come back to 5-5, eventually bringing on the tie break. Both players had chances they should have utilized, but it was mostly Federer who twice let Andy off the hook. Nonetheless, Federer is probably the best ever tie-breaker there is and was – too much for Murray who was outmatched tonight in the Rod Laver arena. Maybe he wasn’t taking enough risks, maybe Federer got in to his head with the pre-match Phsych-War, whatever it was, Murray is still without a slam title. Right now, Roger Federer is still too good for him.

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Andy Murray was clearly overwhelmed with emotions, with the obvious pressure to become the first British Grand Slam champions since 1936 (Fred Perry) finally showing as he was battling the hold back the tears as he congratulated Federer.
Federer didn’t cry, finally, but looked fresh and of course happy. The strange thing about Roger is he seems a tad more arrogant lately, maybe it’s fatherhood, maybe it the fact he hasn’t lost to Nadal in quite a while, maybe it’s him not having pressure on him anymore. Whatever it is, he’s good, and again threatens to go unstoppable the entire year. Now that he’ll go into the Roland Garros without the usual pressure, can he finally make it a grand slam year in 2010?