Australian Open 2017, Day 14, as it happened: Roger Federer defeats Rafael Nadal, wins 18th Grand Slam title

Australian Open 2017 Winners:

Women’s Singles Champion – Serena Williams

Men’s Singles Champion – Roger Federer

Women’s Doubles Champions –  Lucie Safarova and Bethanie Mattek-Sands

Men’s Doubles Champions – Henri Kontinen and John Peers

Mixed Doubles Champions – Abigail Spears and Juan Sebastian Cabal

Girls’ Singles Champion – Marta Kostyuk

Boys’ Singles Champion – Zsombor Piros

Before we sign off, here’s our parting image of the day! Rafael Nadal, Rod Laver and Roger Federer – three of the biggest legends of the game. A total of 43 Grand Slam titles between them. 

Set-by-set breakdown of the Australian Open men’s final, after Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 on Sunday:

Set 1 – Federer 6-4, 34 minutes

In a tense atmosphere at Rod Laver Arena, the final goes with serve until game seven, when a Federer volley sets up two break points and he breaks as Nadal fires a backhand wide. It’s all Federer needs to take a one-set lead as he serves it out, sealing the set with an ace.

Set 2 – Nadal 6-3, 42 minutes

Nadal puts Federer under pressure in his first service game and his one-handed backhand cracks under the pressure of the Spaniard’s heavy forehands, as he nets when facing his second break point. Federer then works two break-back points in Nadal’s next service game, but he miscues with his forehand each time. Another forehand error hands Nadal the double break and despite Federer getting a break back, Nadal levels the match on another mistake from the Swiss’s forehand.

Set 3 – Federer 6-1, 41 minutes

Federer produces three aces to stave off three break points in a 10-minute opening game, and he immediately makes Nadal pay when he breaks him in the next game. Nadal saves more break points at 0-3 down but he is broken again for 1-5 when Federer creams a superb backhand return winner. Federer, when serving for the set, faces down a break point with a service winner before he grabs a 2-1 sets lead with a cool backhand volley.

Set 4 – Nadal 6-3, 40 minutes

Nadal comes roaring back and he breaks Federer in game four when the Swiss puts a backhand volley into the net. The Spaniard holds brilliantly in the fourth game when he retrieves a deep Federer backhand and flicks it back for a crosscourt winner that draws applause from his opponent. Federer aces twice to see off another break point and hold for 2-4 down, but the set is Nadal’s and he converts the first of three set points to force the decider.

Set 5 – Federer 6-3, 61 minutes

Federer returns from a medical time-out and he’s immediately broken to go 0-1 down when he sprays a forehand wide. Nadal fights off three break points in the next game and he moves to 2-1 up before Federer has treatment to his right thigh at the changeover. Nadal produces a big backhand winner to survive a break point in game four but Federer breaks back in the sixth when the Spaniard flashes a forehand narrowly wide. At 3-4 down, Nadal bravely saves four break points but on the fifth, Federer’s wide, sharply angled backhand return is too much for the Spaniard to get back over the net. Serving for the championship, Federer saves two break points before he finally clinches it on his second match point, despite a despairing Hawk-Eye challenge from Nadal.

Another record with this win!

The Federers celebrate their big victory 

???????????? #AusOpen #Federer pic.twitter.com/8sGRAqbDYy

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017

Let’s take a look at the stats after the win for Roger Federer!

Federer and Norman are reunited after 7 years!

. @rogerfederer does a lap of honour with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/nBuc6EIoNB

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017

A very gracious Federer after winning the match

Roger Federer in his speech:

Tennis is a tough sport. There are no draws in tennis but if there was going to be one, I would have been very happy to accept it tonight.

The Norman Brookes Challenge Cup!

The winning moment!

Tears of joy for the champ #Federer #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/t048S5Spcm

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017

Nadal at the presentation ceremony:

Melbourne will always be in my heart. Roger deserved a bit more than me. I will keep trying hard to win the trophy again.

Here is what Federer has tweeted at the end of 2016…

… And he made it come true in 29 days!

Roger Federer defeats Rafael Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 to win his 18th Grand Slam title!

Federer wins!

Federer goes down two break points on his serve.

Saves one with an ace. 

Saves the 2nd with a massive inside-out forehand winner. 

DEUCE. 

Another big serve and it’s Championship Point. 

Federer sends his forehand long and it’s DEUCE again. 

ACE and it’s CHAMPIONSHIP POINT again.

Federer had the whole court to himself and he sends a forehand winner that just clipped the line.

Roger Federer is serving for his 18th Grand Slam title at 5-3 in the fifth set.

Federer breaks for 5-3

Nadal goes down 0-30 on his serve after two unforced errors. 

Nadal throws in a double fault to hand Federer three BREAK POINTS.

Nadal saves one with a powerful forehand winner.

Makes a solid serve on the next, and Federer sends it out long. 

Second serve on the third break point and Federer can’t keep it in play. Deuce. 

THE BEST POINT OF THE MATCH ON THE NEXT POINT! 26-SHOT RALLY that Federer wins with a zipping forehand down the line. Advantage Federer.

After two more points. Federer finally breaks!

Even Rod Laver was pumped after that game!

Federer holds for 4-3

Love-hold from Federer and suddenly he is ahead 4-3 in the 5th set. The crowd has erupted after those two games.

Federer breaks back to make it 3-3

Federer starts the game with a backhand winner after the longest rally of the match. (18 shots). 0-15.

He stays strong on his forehand on the next point and gets an errors from Nadal. 0-30.

Nadal sends a deep return and Federer shanks it back. 15-30. 

Nadal with a good serve out wide, gets the short reply and finishes off with a forehand at the net. 30-30.

Nadal sends a forehand long on his next point, challenges the linesman’s call and Hawk-Eye shows it was out. 30-40. Break point opportunity for Federer. 

Nadal saves it with another great 1-2 combination – great serve, short return, and then winner down the line. Deuce.

Federer dumps his return into the net and it’s advantage Nadal. 

Deuce once again as Nadal’s forehand clips the net and falls wide. 

Federer comes up with a stunning backhand winner to take advantage! Second break point!

Nadal finally sends a forehand long and it’s back on serve! 

Federer needed SIX BREAK POINTS in this set to break back. 3-3.

An easy service hold for Federer and he makes it 3-2. Still trails by a break in the final set of the men’s singles final.

So this happened…

Another crucial hold from Nadal

Deuce once again on Nadal’s serve. 

Federer has a window of opportunity again. Can he take it? 

Break point for Federer but Nadal comes up with a smashing forehand that Federer can’t control on return. Deuce. 

Advantage Nadal after Federer sends his forehand approach long. 

Nadal holds for 3-1.

The world is captivated by this match! Two legends slugging it out in the 5th set.

Nadal is seeking to become the second man in the Open era to win the Australian Open final from two sets to one down (Wilander, 1988).

Federer makes it 1-2

Federer with a love-hold and then calls for the trainer. 

He gets his right thigh massaged on the court and has a long chat with the physio.

Nadal consolidates his break for 2-0

15-40 and it’s Two BREAK POINTS for Federer. 

Nadal saves one break point as Federer puts a backhand return into the net. One more left. 

Nadal saves the second with a beast of a forehand winner. Deuce. 

Lukcy let cord for Federer and he gets a third break point. The ball gently kissed the net and then dropped on the other side.

Nadal makes it deuce again after two huge forehands! 

Another BLISTERING forehand down the line from Nadal and he wins the advantage. 

Nadal holds for a 2-0 lead.

Federer broken in the very first game

Nadal creates two break points and converts on the second to take the lead early in the 5th set. 

The stats from the match after Nadal won the 4th set

While Federer was getting treated, Nadal waited restlessly. 

Federer takes a medical timeout at the end of teh 4th set, goes off court for examination nd treatment.

After 2 hours 37 minutes we’re going to five, as Rafael Nadal wins the 4th set 6-3.

Nadal wins 4th set 6-3

Federer changes his racquet to return Nadal’s serve but can’t return the first three points – one into the net, one way out and the third was a really good serve from Nadal.

THREE SET POINTS for Nadal. 

Federer nets a backhand and it’s two sets-all. The match is going into the decider!

Federer makes it 4-5

Federer can’t win two points in a row on his service. 

Game goes to deuce, Federer slides a serve out wide for advantage. 

Nadal finally sends a return long and Federer holds. 

Nadal will now serve for the 4th set at 5-4.

Super quick service hold from Nadal! 

Nadal holds to love to edge ahead 5-2. He is just one game away from forcing a deciding set in this final. 

Federer to serve to stay alive in the 4th.

Federer holds for 2-4

Roger serves four aces, saves a break point and holds for 4-2. Crucial game for The Swiss to stay in touch in this set. Still trails by just one break in the 4th.

HERE’S THAT INSANE POINT!

Nadal wins a tight service game for 4-1

On Nadal’s serve, Federer makes it deuce from 15-40. 

Nadal wins the next point but Federer brings it back to deuce with a forehand winner. 

Advantage Nadal as Federer sends a shot flying on the run.

The next point sees one of teh best rallies of the match so far! Federer and Nadal exchange ground strokes, Federer drops a forehand short, Nadal drags him out wide with a cross court top-spin forehand, Federer somehow gets to it and hooks it back in, Nadal returns it for a winner. 4-1.

Nadal breaks for 3-1

The first break in the 4th set goes Nadal’s way. A lapse in concentration from Federer and he goes down three break points. The Swiss saved one but nets a backhand to give the Spaniard the break early in the 4th set. 1-3.

Time to look at the stats! What’s the biggest thing that stands out for you?

Nadal holds for 2-1

In the third set, three quick holds from both players.

Nadal serving much better but he has a lot of work to do. 

Cheers galore in Garden Square as #Federer makes a 3rd set comeback ???? #AusOpen #FedererNadal pic.twitter.com/f04XQOrZE6

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017

STAT:

Roger Federer has never been up two sets to one on Rafael Nadal and lost.

Roger Federer wins the 3rd set, leads two sets to one over Rafael Nadal. 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.

Federer wins 6-1

Nadal hits a winner on Federer’s serve to make it 0-15. 

Federer stops play and challenges a Nadal return. Turns out, it indeed was out. 15-15. 

Two exchange of points and it’s 30-30.

Federer hits a double fault to hand Nadal a break point. 

He saves it with an inside-out forehand. Deuce. 

Federer hits a huge serve out wide to bring up SET POINT!

Nadal, standing metres behind the baseline, returns deep. Federer can’t put the ball back in play. Deuce. 

Another long return from Federer on his forehand and it’s BREAK POINT again for Nadal.

Federer saves it with yet another massive serve down the tee. 

One more service winner and it’s SET POINT #2.

Federer seals the set with a great volley at the net.

Federer breaks for 5-1

BREAK POINT for Federer after a long well-constructed point that he wins with a forehand winner down the line.

Federer converts it with a smacking cross court backhand winner. 

The Swiss player will now serve to win the third set and take a 2-1 lead.

Federer holds to love for 4-1

Federer races off to a hold in super quick time. Just 1 min and 25 secs. Quintessential Federer.

What a gorgeous view!

Nadal escapes for 3-1

Federer is just seeing the ball so well in the 3rd set! He hits a smoking backhand winner in the open court to create two break points. 15-40.

Nadal saves one with a HUGE cross court forehand that Federer can’t return. 

Nadal saves the 2nd with a big serve out wide. Deuce. 

Federer hooks a forehand at full stretch on the next point for a winner. BREAK POINT agian.

BOOMING SERVE DOWN THE TEE. 196 kmph from Nadal and he saves another break point. Deuce.

Nadal wins advantage this time around but can’t convert it as Federer hits a forehand on teh run to make it deuce.

Another big serve and it’s advantage Nadal. 

Federer returns with a perfect cross court backhand winner to make it deuce once again!

Brutal backhand winner from Nadal and he has game point. 

Nadal finally holds!

Federer breaks and consolidates to lead 3-0

Federer hitting the ball so much better now, taking huge cuts off it and returning deep. He breaks Nadal in the third set to lead 2-0.

In the next game, Federer stands up to the line and hits four big serves to hold to love. That was a very quick turnaround from Federer in this third set.

The match stats after Nadal won the 2nd set. 

Federer saves 3 break points, holds for 1-0

From 40-0, Federer makes a few uncharacteristic errors and it’s deuce.

Federer dumps his forehand into the net and hands Nadal a BREAK POINT. Saves it with a massive serve. Deuce. 

Another unforced error and it’s BREAK POINT again. Federer saves it with another ace. Deuce. 

Another unforced error and it’s BREAK POINT #3 for Nadal. Federer saves it with a third ace. All out wide. 

This time, Federer brings up advantage and FINALLY holds!

What a massive game to start the 3rd set!

Look at this stat. This third set could decide the match.

Rafael Nadal levels the final by winning the second set 6-3 in 42 minutes.

Nadal holds to love!

Federer made three straight unforced errors in the game and gifts Nadal a very easy hold. He wins the second set 6-3.

Quick hold from Federer to make it 3-5

Some vintage serve-and-volleying from Federer and he holds for 3-5.

But Nadal will now serve for the second set.

Second set stats:

Federer – 13 unforced errors, 6 winners

Nadal 3 unforced errors, 6 winners

Love-hold for Nadal

Poor game from Federer as he couldn’t put any pressure on Nadal’s serve. Federer shanks a forehand and Nadal holds at love on the next point for 5-2.

Already 13 unforced errors for Roger in set two. 5-2.

Federer makes it 4-2

Brilliant point from Federer as he moves Nadal from corner to corner and then finishes with a cross court backhand winner. 

He holds after a tense service game to make it 4-2. 

He’s done well to stem the rot after dropping the first four games of the set.

​Federer gets one break back 

The Swiss player finally gets on board in the 2nd set. After a long game, he gets an opportunity to pass Nadal on break point and makes the most of it. He’s made it 4-1 after losing four straight games.

Nadal leads 4-0 

Federer starts off with 2 unforced errors on his serve and Nadal races away to another breakpoint, on love.
Nadal hits a couple of shots outside to give Federer a tow in at 30-40 but that is not enough as his serve is broken again.

Nadal saves two break point and holds for 3-0

Huge service game from Nadal as he digs himself out of a hole to consolidate his break. He makes it 3-0 in the 2nd set.

Nadal holds and breaks for 2-0

Nadal starts off with a love-hold in the second set.

Nadal sets up one break point that Federer saves with an inside-out forehand. 

On deuce, Nadal wins the point after Federer’s return clips teh net and falls on his own side.

On his second BREAK POINT, Nadal directs a super heavy forehand return to Federer’s backhand corner, pounds away, and he has the break.

What a gorgeous shot from the sky of Melbourne!

Here’s a look at the numbers from the first set. Federer lost only one point on his first serve.

Roger Federer wins the first 6-4!

The 17th seed needed one break of serve and 34 minutes to take it 6-4 over Rafael Nadal.

Federer wins 1st set 6-4

When serving for the first set, Federer dropped the first point by returning a forehand right back to Nadal. It could have been a winner if he had hit it in the open court. Nadal calmly passes the Swiss with a backhand cross-court.

Federer wins the next three points to bring up TWO SET POINTS!

He seals the set with an ace!

Nadal stays alive in the 1st set, holds for 4-5

Nadal with a crucial hold to stay close to Federer in the opening set. Hit an ace down the tee and then wrong-footed Federer on the next point. 

Federer will now come out to serve for the first set at 5-4.

The first set is very crucial for both these players. Federer will be hoping he can close it out.

Federer surges ahead 5-3

Federer consolidates by holding to love and he’s one game away from taking the opening set in the Aus Open final.

Nadal has been playing very defensive so far and hasn’t ventured ahead too much, like he did against Dimitrov in his last match.

Federer breaks for 4-3

Federer starts the game with an overhead smash to go up 0-15.

Two points later, the Swiss plays the point so far – defends really well on full stretch to keep the ball in play from the trenchlines, and then attacks with his forehand to get two break points.

Nadal sends his backhand long on break point. He challenges the call but Haw-Eye shows it was well wide. Federer leads 4-3.

Federer makes it 3-3

Federer follows that up with a love-hold of his own. 

He hits an ace and two inside-out forehands to hold for 3-3.

Love-hold for Nadal and he edges ahead 3-2 in the opening set.

Too many errors from Federer in that game and his backhand got exposed on two consecutive points. 

Federer had the opportunity to win a point but he hit his shot right where Nadal was standing. Open court atheism from Federer and it cost him. Nadal using his serve out wide very effectively to drag Federer out and then hit into the open court. Strategy working really well so far.

Federer 2-2 Nadal

Some gorgeous backhands from Federer on his service game and he holds for 2-2. Keeping an eye on his movement, after the abductor niggle he got treated for in his semi-final against Wawrinka.

Started off cautiously, but seems to be moving fine.

The first winner of the Aus Open men’s singles final! Watch

Nadal holds, it’s 2-1 in the opening set

Federer hits another sizzling forehand winner on the run to win his first point on Nadal’s serve.  

Double fault from Nadal and it’s 30-30. Nadal gets lucky with a let cord and it’s game point for the 9th seed. 

He holds with a solid serve out wide.

Federer makes it 1-1

Federer wins his first point of the match on his serve. Nadal quickly wins the next one. 

Federer comes up with a 141 kmph inside-out forehand to go up 40-15.

Another unforced error and it’s 40-30.

Federer comes forward and hammers a forehand that Nadal can only return long. Federer holds.

Nadal holds for 1-0

Rafael Nadal starts off the final with a love-hold. Perfect start for the Spaniard.

Ready? Play!

Who do you think is going to win? 

Rafael Nadal has won the toss and opted to serve first!

The players are out on court!

Federer, as the lower seed, walks out first and he is followed by Nadal. 

We are just minutes away from the Australian Open 2017 men’s singles final.

Well they better! The final begins in 10 minutes. 

Australian Open 2017: Roger Federer defies age and expectations to make 28th Grand Slam finalhttp://www.firstpost.com

RAFAEL NADAL (ESP)

World ranking: 9

Age: 30 (3/6/1986)

Career titles in total: 69

Career Grand Slam titles: 14 — Wimbledon: 2008, 2010; US Open: 2010, 2012; French Open: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014; Australian Open: 2009.

Career prize money: $78,737,293

ROGER FEDERER (SUI)

World ranking: 17

Age: 35 (8/8/1981)

Career titles in total: 88

Career Grand Slam titles: 17 — Wimbledon: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012; US Open: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008; French Open: 2009; Australian Open: 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010.

Career prize money: $98,830,819

Australian Open 2017: Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal final a special celebration for sporthttp://www.firstpost.com

Here’s a look at some numbers from the Federer-Nadal rivalry: 

Overall head-to-head – Nadal leads 23-11

Grand Slam finals – Nadal leads 6-2

At Australian Open – Nadal leads 3-0

Two of the greatest players this sport has seen will soon be on court!

Are you just as excited/tense as we are?

Australian Open 2017, men’s final preview: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal’s resurgence sets up delightful duelhttp://www.firstpost.com

Two hours to go for the Federer-Nadal final! Stay tuned as we build up to the Australian Open 2017 men’s final.

The trophy presentation 

Mixed doubles trophy presentation #Mirza / #Dodig and #Spears / #Cabal #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/7yd5QWA6kv

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017

This is the second major final that ​Sania Mirza and Ivan Dodig have lost

Sania-Dodig were thoroughly outplayed in the final and the higher seeded pair just couldn’t counter the precise game from across the net.
There were far too many unforced errors from both the Indian and Croat and the Spears and Cabal didn’t let them get away with it.
Abigail Spears and Juan Sebastian Cabal, on the other hand, looked sharp and didn’t let the pressure of the moment get to them. 
The unseeded duo, who haven’t dropped a set throughout the tournament, and are deserving champs.

Here’s the winning moment 

Congratulations Abigail #Spears and @juanscabal #AusOpen 2017 mixed doubles champions! pic.twitter.com/CfEMicCJoH

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017

Spears-Cabal are mixed doubles champions!

The unseeded pair of Abigail Spears and Juan Sebastian Cabal beat second seeds Sania Mirza and Ivan Dodig 6-2 6-4 to win their first Grand Slam title.

Spears-Cabal win

Cabal, serving for the championship, starts with inducing a wayward shot to get first points.
But the pair leave a shot that ends up just on the line to level the game.
A sharp smash on the body from Cabal gives them the lead and they only a couple of points away.
Dodig misjudges a return, and challenges it unsuccessfully, to give them 2 championship points.
Spears-Cabal don’t miss and we have the mixed doubles champions

Spears-Cabal one game away from title 

Important service game for the second seeds. 
Sania cracks a stunning, angled volley at the net to get the first points on Dodig’s serve
But more unforced errors give Spears-Cabal 2 breakpoints and this could be crucial for the unseeded duo.
Dodig responds with a wonderfully placed forehand down the line to save one.
But a double fault gives the game to Spears-Cabal and they will now serve for the title.

Second set balanced at 4-4

Spears starts off with her serve and an error by Sania gives thm the first points.
A cheeky volley by Cabal draws great applause from the crowd as they take a 30-0 lead.
But the Sania forehand brings them back in the game, followed by Dodig repeating the same.
Sania fails to get the elevation on a return and a flat volley from Dodig gives Spears-Cabal the game.
Second set levelled tantalisingly at 4-4

Sania’s serve broken

Sania on the serve leaves a return and call is challenged. The ball in just in and Spears-Cabal get the first point.
But an athletic, angled backhand by Sania levels it out.
Sania double faults to give the unseeded duo a breakpoint and they make no mistake to take the game.
3-4 in the second set.

Cabal, on the serve, gets the first point with a mighty smash.
But Sania-Dodig stay strong at the baseline and Cabal fires one outside.
Spears hits a crisp smash at the net and in answered by a body shot off Sania’s backhand.
But the unseeded duo hold on and the second set stands at 4-2.

Dodig fires away to 4-1 lead 

Cabal gets the first point on Dodig’s serve but Sania slices volley to level things. 
Dodig follows it with a cracking smash on the top and they drive the game to get a 4-1 lead in the set. 
Dodig is upping his game for a dominant show and we seem to be heading a super tiebreaker.

Second set at 3-1 

Sania starts off with a slinging return down the line off Spears’ serve.
A similar return, however, goes haywire as they lose the lead and Dodig gets one at the net.
A powerful smash by Spears seals the game as they get a foot in the second set

Sania Mirza gets her service game on point as a fired up Dodig hits a couple of wonderful return at the net to race to a 40-0 lead.
A sharp Spears volley gets a second serve but a loose Cabal shot gives Sania-Dodig the game.
They are now well and truly back in the game as the second seeds lead set 3-0

Sania-Dodig get first break, lead 2-0 in second set 

Cabal begins with a crisp ace but Dodig gets the next point with a quick point at the net.
Another well placed volley from the Croat gives them an edge as we see much stronger body language from the second seeds.
Spears lobs a sharp one at the net to get their noses ahead and Cabal follows it with a second ace in the game.
However, double fault follows and the game goes to deuce.
The second seeds waste to more chances as they break.

Dodig starts with serve in the second set 
And we see a much better gameplan from the second seeds here, as they force errors from Cabal.
Spears-Cabal gets their own back through more errors from Sania-Dodig and they get another breakpoint.
But Dodig fires up an ace to take it deuce.
Cabal misjudges a Dodig return and the second seeds hold. This might be a crucial moment in the game for Sania-Dodig.

Meanwhile, look who’s practicing on Court 16

Spears-Cabal take first set 6-2

Second seeds Sania-Dodig outplayed in the first set as Spears-Cabal race through the first set in 25 minutes.

Spears serving for the set, but Dodig plays a couple of smart shots to take a 30-0 lead.
But both Sania and Dodig overreach in quick succession to take it 30-30.
But Dodig makes up for it a low return and they have a breakpoint, which is quickly neutralised by Cabal.
The Setpoint is scored through a lose shot by Sania – a common thread in the 25-minute set so far.

5-2 in the first set 

Sania serving to stay in the set, gets beaten by a clever Spears shot.
The unseeded players make it 30-30 and are on the verge of winning the set.
A strong game by Sania on the baseline notwithstanding, they take the game to deuce. 
But Dodig responds with a well placed volley at the net they hold to take the first set 5-2. 
Spears-Cabal will serve for the set next.

A well places Spears lob gives them the first points on Cabal’s serve and the unforced errors from second seeds do not help as they race to a 40-0 lead.
Dodig responds with a strong forehand to get a point but Sania hits one outside to give the unseeded players a massive 5-1 lead in the first set.

Sania-Dodig hold first game

Cabal hits a wonderful forehand winner to grab the first point on Dodig’s serve.
But the second seed induces enough errors to go 40-15 lead.
A couple of hiccups later, Dodig fires an ace to hold serve for the first time in the set.
First set stands at 4-1

Spears-Cabal start strong at 4-0

Spears’ first serve gets them a quick point as Sania misjudges a return.
A sharp volley by Sania at the net gets them a leg up but that doesn’t deter the unseeded duo who race top a 40-0 lead.
Sania drives another return into the net to stare at 0-4 deficit in the first set.

Sania-Dodig broken again

Sania’s first service game gives the pair a swift 30-lead.
But Cabal’s play at the net is too strong as they pull one back to level 30-30.
Sania cracks a good forehand but a smart pick up by Cabal gives them the breakpoint again and they do not miss it, unlike Dodig who lets one through at the net. 
Spears-Cabal lead first set 3-0, ideal start for them.

Cabal’s serve gains them the first point as Sania hits one outside. 
But he strikes a return on the net to level at 15-15.
A sharp rally – with shots by all 4 players – gives Spears-Cabal another point and the consolidate with another stunning Cabal lob at the net.
Spears-Cabal lead first set 2-0.

Sania-Dodig broken in first game 

Dodig starts off with the serve and gets a double fault on his second serve to give Peers-Cabal a breakpoint.
A wayward shot gives the unseeded players the first break in the first game.

This is Sania Mirza’s fifth final in Melbourne. She finished as runner-up with Mahesh Bhupathi back in 2008, and came back to win the title in 2009. She was also the runner-up in 2014 with Horia Tecau.

Did You Know
Sania Mirza won the women’s doubles title with Martina Hingis at Australian Open last year. 
But this will be her second mixed doubles title here, if she and Ivan Dodig emerge victorious.

Hello and welcome to the last and final day of the Australian Open.

Day 14 will see the mixed doubles finals between India’s Sania Mirza and Ivan Dodig, who are the second seeds, against the unseeded Abigail Spears and Juan Sebastian Cabal.

This will be followed by the big match – the men’s final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Strap in!