Roger Federer today defeated Marin Cilic in five sets in the Australian Open men's final, and with the win "celebrated his 20th Grand Slam title." After going more than four years "without winning a major title leading into last year's Australian Open, Federer has now won three of the last five." Int'l Tennis HOFer Rod Laver, who "lends his name to the center court at Melbourne Park, was in the crowd taking photos to mark the occasion of Federer being the first man to win 20 majors." It was "clear early on that the crowd would be heavily pro-Federer" (AP, 1/28). Caroline Wozniacki defeated Simona Halep Saturday in the women's final, after which Halep was hospitalized and treated for dehydration (Mult., 1/28).
Despite the men's final not starting until 7:30pm local time, Australian Open organizers "determined that the combination of high temperature and humidity called for them to put in effect their extreme-heat policy and play the final indoors." Some former players, including Pat Cash, "cried foul, but Tennis Australia officials defended the decision" to close the Rod Laver Arena roof (NYTIMES.com, 1/28). Tennis Australia President Jayne Hrdlicka said the '18 tournament drew a "record attendance" of 743,667 (“Australian Open,” ESPN, 1/28).
