Federer proves his point

Christopher O'Leary writes that Roger Federer showed he had more than forehands going for him at last night’s Australian Open final.

Roger Federer's human side was shown after winning the first grand slam of 2006.

Who would have thought Roger Federer was human?

Calm and collected in the Australian Open final against Marcos Baghdatis, Federer was speechless and wept when "B-r-u-cee" handed him the champions trophy.

Federer’s exciting win over Baghdatis not only exposed that emotional side he kept telling everyone existed deep inside him, but his toughness as well.

Channel Seven commentator Jim Courier said the Cypriot’s dominance in long rallies and ripping forehands in the first and second set showed that the World No.1 did not have "his A game" going.

The aggressive Baghdatis won the first set convincingly, but Federer in the second took time to find his groove, preserve his energy and then lift his shot selection a notch to run his opponent ragged.

Baghdatis then capitulated, as he created more errors and Federer followed up cross-court shots by coming into the net and smashing the ball out of his opponent’s reach.

Federer’s seventh Grand Slam was won from mental toughness as much as ability.

Opponents such as Baghdatis, Nicholas Kiefer and Tommy Haas proved they could all return the ball against him.

They are just as athletic and aggressive, but in the end lacked the steely resolve, developed from hard work and experience in do or die situations (he has won 26 tournament finals), to keep up with Federer.

The Swiss is one tough cookie, and he also showed last night that it’s okay to want a hug (from Rod Laver no less) after being tested by such an exciting future prospect.

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