Rod Laver and Roger Federer share “the moment of the tournament”
Roger Federer had us all in tears after last night’s Australian Open final when he tearfully celebrated his history-making 20th grand slam title, and it seems not even the stadium’s namesake could hide his emotion.
Rod Laver, 79, set social media abuzz when he was caught on camera capturing a photo of Federer’s emotional post-match reaction, shedding a few tears himself, in what’s being described as “the moment of the tournament”.
When Federer learnt of Laver’s reaction to his win, the 36-year-old told the media he considered Rod “Rocket” Laver “the best”.
“I am so happy when I see him any time ... to see Rocket in the front row taking a picture. I couldn’t see it because I was crying too much.”
Sports reporters and fans from around the world took to Twitter to celebrate the incredible moment the cameras panned to Laver photographing the Swiss great.
Rod Laver taking a photo on his cell phone while Federer stood overwhelmed on the podium has to be the moment of the tournament #AustralianOpen2018
— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) January 28, 2018
Extraordinary moment seeing the greatest men's player ever break down in tears, and Rod Laver capturing it on his cell phone. Remarkable @rogerfederer #AusOpenFinals #GOAT
— Shashank Bengali (@SBengali) January 28, 2018
Rod Laver is taking pictures of Roger Federer. Unreal. #goat
— Matt Connellan (@MattConnellan) January 28, 2018
It took Federer just three hours and three minutes to beat Croatia’s Marin Cilic 6-2 6-7 6-3 3-6 6-1. He is the second oldest Australian Open winner in history and the only man ever to take home 20 grand slam titles.
Tell us in the comments below, did you watch the emotional moment live on TV? What did you think about Fed’s win?
Image: AFP/Getty.