Roger Federer has never been one to hide his emotions and the 36-year-old Swiss was in floods of tears here on Sunday after becoming the first man in history to win 20 Grand Slam titles. At the presentation ceremony Federer struggled to get through his speech after beating Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 to win the Australian Open for the sixth time.

Federer famously broke down in tears here after losing to Rafael Nadal in the 2009 final – his only defeat in his record seven appearances in the final - and was again overcome by emotion here.

“Of course winning is an absolute dream come true,” Federer said as he addressed the crowd while holding his trophy. “The fairytale continues for me after the great year I had last year. It’s incredible.”

Australian Open 2018: Men's final Show all 19 1 /19 Australian Open 2018: Men's final Australian Open 2018: Men's final MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Roger Federer of Switzerland walks on to the court ahead of his Men's singles final match against Marin Cilic of Croatia on day 14 of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final Croatia's Marin Cilic (L) poses for a photo with Switzerland's Roger Federer before their men's singles final match on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky watch the Men's singles final match between Roger Federer of Switzerland and Marin Cilic of Croatia on day 14 of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final TOPSHOT - Switzerland's Roger Federer prepares to play a point against Croatia's Marin Cilic during their men's singles final match on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final Croatia's Marin Cilic prepares to serve against Switzerland's Roger Federer during their men's singles final match on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Paul Crock / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final Croatia's Marin Cilic uses a towel against Switzerland's Roger Federer during their men's singles final match on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Greg Wood / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Marin Cilic of Croatia plays a backhand in his men's singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Roger Federer of Switzerland serves in his men's singles final match against Marin Cilic of Croatia on day 14 of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Rod Laver and Andrea Eliscu watch the men's singles final between Roger Federer of Switzerland and Marin Cilic of Croatia on day 14 of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final Croatia's Marin Cilic (L) walks past Switzerland's Roger Federer during their men's singles final match on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Marin Cilic of Croatia celebrates winning the second set in his men's singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Roger Federer of Switzerland jumps over the ball in his men's singles final match against Marin Cilic of Croatia on day 14 of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final Switzerland's Roger Federer reacts after a point against Croatia's Marin Cilic during their men's singles final match on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final A supporter of Switzerland's Roger Federer holds a banner during his men's singles final against Croatia's Marin Cilic on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / PAUL CROCK / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final Switzerland's Roger Federer celebrates beating Croatia's Marin Cilic in their men's singles final match on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final Switzerland's Roger Federer (2nd L) talks to runner-up Croatia's Marin Cilic after their men's singles final match on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final Croatia's Marin Cilic holds his trophy after defeat in the men's singles final against Switzerland's Roger Federer on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final Switzerland's Roger Federer kisses the winner's trophy after beating Croatia's Marin Cilic in their men's singles final match on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Australian Open 2018: Men's final Switzerland's Roger Federer cries as he holds the winner's trophy after beating Croatia's Marin Cilic in their men's singles final match on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAN / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images

At that point Federer had to stop as the tears welled up. “We’ve had a wonderful time here in Australia,” Federer said. “We’ve had the best time as a family and a team.”

Still struggling to get out his words, Federer thanked the Australian country and people for their hospitality, particularly the fans at this tournament. “This is tough,” Federer said at the end before thanking his team. “I love you guys. Thank you.”

A remarkable standing ovation followed as the whole stadium rose to applaud Federer for several minutes while the big screens showed the tears rolling down his face. The watching Rod Laver was among those who got out their phones to record the occasion.

The greatest player of all time was made to work for his latest triumph but if anyone had any doubts as to whether he could repeat his extraordinary feats of last year, when he won two Grand Slam titles upon his return from a six-month break because of injury, they were surely erased here.

A fan celebrates Roger Federer's 20th Grand Slam success (Getty)

At 36 years and 173 days Federer is the oldest male winner of a Grand Slam title since Ken Rosewall won here in 1972 at the age of 37 years and 62 days. With his 20 Grand Slam triumphs – four more than Nadal, the next player on the all-time list – Federer has won 10 per cent of the tournaments contested since the open era began in 1968.

Cilic, nevertheless, pushed Federer hard. The Swiss had won his first six matches here in straight sets but there were times in the final when he wobbled under the pressure from Cilic’s huge ground strokes. Federer did not have the best serving day and sometimes looked vulnerable on his backhand but, as usual, showed extraordinary mental strength whenever his back was against the wall.

While Nadal and Federer will remain at No 1 and No 2 in Monday's updated world rankings list, Cilic will climb to a career-high position at No 3.

Cilic had lost eight of his nine previous meetings with Federer, including last summer’s Wimbledon final, when the 29-year-old Croatian was reduced to tears after a painful foot blister scuppered his chances.

Cilic was impressive in taking the game to five sets (Getty)

Federer had also won their most recent encounter at the ATP Finals in London in November, though the last time they had met on the court was only last month when they practised together in the Maldives after finding out quite by chance that they were both holidaying on the islands.

After a hot and humid day the referee decided to play the final with the roof over Rod Laver Arena closed, though it was not clear whether that decision followed the tournament’s own guidelines.

The Australian Open’s “extreme heat policy” appeared to suggest that it could be invoked only when the temperature topped 40C and the “Wet Bulb Globe Temperature”, which takes into account humidity, exceeds 32.5C. According to weather reports, the temperature during the day never exceeded 38C. Ultimately, however, the decision on whether to invoke the policy is at the referee’s discretion.

While it was true that the conditions were the same for both men, Federer has long had a reputation as the game’s best indoor player. Greg Rusedski, writing on Twitter, called the decision “absolutely ridiculous”, pointing out that Grand Slam tournaments are meant to be outdoor events. “Yes it’s hot but the court is under shade and [it’s] an evening match,” the former world No 4 wrote.

Federer was immediately into his stride. By the time he had gone 4-0 up in just 13 minutes he had won 16 of the first 20 points. Cilic changed his racket in the third game but it did not do him much good.

Federer was majestic in winning his 20th Grand Slam (Getty)

The Croatian finally got on the scoreboard in the fifth game, to some ironic cheers from the crowd, but within 24 minutes Federer had wrapped up the first set, completing the job with two aces followed by a service winner.

Cilic had at least started to play himself into contention and in the second game of the second set forced his first two break points. Federer, however, saved both. There were no breaks of serve in the set, though Federer had break points in the third, fifth and ninth games and Cilic had another in the tenth.

In the tie-break Cilic went 6-4 ahead with a huge forehand winner to the corner and on his third set point he clenched his fist in celebration after hitting a winning smash.

Cilic needed to keep the momentum in his favour, but at 2-3 he played a loose service game as Federer broke to 15. Federer served out for the set by holding to love, completing the job with an ace.

The Swiss immediately rubbed salt into Cilic’s wounds by breaking in the opening game of the fourth set after the Croatian lost the last two points with lame backhands.

Many in the crowd might have been expecting Federer, one of the game’s great front-runners, to close out victory with minimal fuss, but at 3-2 he dropped serve in unlikely fashion. The Swiss went 0-40 down with his fourth double fault and Cilic won the next point with a crunching forehand return.

Australian Open - in pictures Show all 64 1 /64 Australian Open - in pictures Australian Open - in pictures Day 1 A general view as Roger Federer plays in his first round match against Aljaz Bedene Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 1 Kyle Edmund celebrates his first round victory over Kevin Anderson at the Australian Open Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 1 Venus Williams suffered a surprise defeat against Berlina Bencic. Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 1 Rafa Nadal cruised into the second round with a straight sets victory over Victor Estrella Burgos. Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 1 Heather Watson crashed out of the Australian Open after defeat by Yulia Putintseva. Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 2 Johanna Konta beat Madison Brengle in the first round. Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 2 Juan Martin del Potro reacts after beating Frances Tiafoe Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 2 Roger Federer waves to the crowd as he walks onto Rod Laver Arena Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 2 Will Federer watches on during the second day Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 2 Petra Kvitova reacts after losing a point against Germany's Andrea Petkovic Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 2 Garbine Muguruza celebrates after victory against Jessika Ponchet Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 2 Dominic Thiem beat Argentina's Guido Pella to progress to the second round Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 2 Maria Sharapova in action against Tatjana Maria Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 2 Ashleigh Barty celebrates winning her first round match against Aryna Sabalenka Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 3 Robson plans on spending most of the European winter in Australia Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 3 Kyle Edmund defeated Denis Istomin in straight sets to reach the Australian Open third round Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 4 Johanna Konta crashed out in the second round AFP/Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 4 Konta blamed match fitness for the loss Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 4 It completes a hat-trick of surprise defeats for world no 10 Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 4 Bernarda Pera will progress to the third round AFP/Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 4 Djokovic called the conditions 'brutal' AFP/Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 4 Monfils said he was struggling to breathe AFP/Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 4 Federer is one of the favourites for the tournament AFP/Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 5 Kyle Edmund celebrates his third round victory over Nikoloz Basilashvili Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 6 Second seed Caroline Wozniacki beat Magdalena Rybarikova in straight sets Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 6 Novak Djokovic is through to the next round despite an injury scare Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 7 Kyle Edmund is through to the Australian Open quarter-finals after beating Andreas Seppi Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 7 Andreas Seppi has no answer for Edmund's dominant serves and forehands Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 7 Nadal beat Schwartzman 6-3, 6-7, 6-3, 6-3 Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 7 Nadal faces Cilic in the last eight AFP/Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 7 Grigor Dimitrov beat Nick Kyrgios to set up a quarter-final against Edmund Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 7 Caroline Wozniacki celebrates her victory over Magdalena Rybarikova to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 7 Wozniacki pulled off a 'tweener' during the match Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 8 Angelique Kerber beat Su-Wei Hsieh to reach the last eight of the Australian Open Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 8 Hyeon Chung celebrates his shock victory over Novak Djokovic Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 8 Novak Djokovic's struggles with his long-standing elbow hindered his performance in Monday's defeat Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 8 Simona Halep, the world No 1, had too much experience for 20-year-old Naomi Osaka Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 8 Madison Keys prepares for a Caroline Garcia serve Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 8 The world No 1 signs autographs for fans after reaching the quarter-finals Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 8 Karolina Pliskova beat her fellow Czech Barbora Strycova 6-7 (7-5), 6-3, 6-2 Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 9 Kyle Edmund was in quarter-final action against Grigor Dimitrov... Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 9 ... and dispatched him in four sets Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 9 Edmund won 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-4 Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 9 Edmund will be British No 1 if he wins in the semi-finals Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 9 Marin Cilic beat Rafa Nadal to take the other semi-final place against Edmund Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 9 Nadal was treated on court for a hip or thigh injury Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 9 Nadal cut a frustrated figure Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 9 The No 1 seed was favourite to win in Melbourne Getty Images Australian Open - in pictures Day 10 Roger Federer eased past Thomas Berdych to reach the semi-finals. Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 10 Tennys Sandgren was knocked out of the men's singles by Hyeon Chung. Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 10 Angelique Kerber reached the last four with a victory over Madison Keys. Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 10 Kerber set up a clash with Simona Halep after the Romanian beat Karolina Pliskova. Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 11 Kyle Edmund was knocked out of the Australian Open by Marin Cilic in the semi-finals. Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 11 Edmund congratulates Cilic after their semi-final clash. Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 11 Edmund leaves the arena after his semi-final defeat. Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 13 Caroline Wozniacki and Simona Halep pose ahead of the women's final. Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 13 Halep was looking to win her first Grand Slam title. Getty Australian Open - in pictures Day 13 Caroline Wozniacki celebrates winning the women's final. REUTERS Australian Open - in pictures Day 13 Wozniacki parades the Australian Open trophy after her victory. 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In the eighth game of the set Cilic broke again as the Croatian thundered some huge returns into his opponent’s feet. When he served out to love in the following game to level the match at two sets apiece the crowd’s reaction was largely one of stunned silence.

When Federer saved two break points in the opening game of the fifth set he appeared to be teetering on the brink, but at deuce in the next game he successfully challenged an “in” call on a second serve - to huge roars from the crowd - and broke on the next point when Cilic netted a forehand.

At 4-1 Cilic dropped serve again when he netted a forehand on break point, which gave Federer the opportunity to serve out for victory. On his first match point Federer hit a superb kicking second serve wide to Cilic’s backhand which the Croatian was unable to return.