Federer and Nadal produced one of the finest contests their rivalry has ever seen but it was the Swiss that prevailed, winning 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 after three hours and 38 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.
It means Federer has secured his fifth Melbourne crown and a first grand slam success since Wimbledon in 2012.
If this was to be the last grand slam duel between this pair, perhaps the two finest players the sport has ever seen, it was more than a fitting finale.
1️⃣8️⃣🏆 pic.twitter.com/Ap8aZGhBNf
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) January 29, 2017
Everyone stop right now .. take 6 months off. Come back. Win ..... can't believe what I watched. Congrats to my friend @rogerfederer
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) January 29, 2017
We think our squad is pretty solid. 💯🏆👍#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/WR9rN5SFYh
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
"It all started for me here. I played the quallies here in '99, the juniors in '98. Always loved coming here, you know." -#Federer#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/tzBVUqk8ce
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017