Federer planning big party

ROGER Federer pledged to party like a rock star after beating Rafael Nadal to win his 18th grand slam title at t he Australian Open.

Federer ousted Nadal 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 in a pulsating final on Rod Laver Arena as the Swiss sealed his first major triumph since Wimbledon in 2012.

Nadal twice came back from a set down and looked in charge when up a break in the decider — but Federer strung together five games in a row t o claim his fifth Melbourne crown.

This was Federer’s 15th major tournament since he beat Andy Murray to win Wimbledon five years ago and many believed title No 18 might never come.

“Now we made it, we’re going to be partying like rock stars. I can tell you that,” Federer said.

“I think this one will take more time to sink in. When I go back to Switzerland, I’ll think, ‘ wow’. The magnitude of this match is going to feel different.

“I can’t compare this one t o any other one except f or maybe t he French Open i n ‘ 09. I waited f or t he French Open, I tried, I fought. I tried again and failed. Eventually I made it. This feels similar.”

Federer’s success is all the more remarkable given he arrived i n Australia without playing a single tour match since Wimbledon last summer.

The 35-year-old cast doubt as to whether he would return next year but later said uncertainty was only natural at this stage of his career.

“This is about knowing I have only so much tennis left in me,” he said.

Roger Federer