Roger Federer claimed his 18th grand slam title on Sunday with a thrilling victory over Rafael Nadal in the final of the Australian Open.
Federer's last grand slam triumph came five years ago at Wimbledon and, after beating his long-time rival Nadal over five sets in Melbourne, the football world was in awe of the Swiss tennis star's performance.
Retired icons such as Luis Figo and Franco Baresi tweeted their congratulations, with the latter hailing Federer as "majestic", while Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi could not hide his enjoyment of the final.
Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, who currently plays for A-League side Melbourne City, had a closer view of the game than most, and he was in no doubt about Federer's status.
Maestoso @rogerfederer un mito senza fine @AustralianOpen
— Franco Baresi (@FBaresi) January 29, 2017
Congratulations @rogerfederer grande @RafaelNadal two champions
— Luís Figo (@LuisFigo) January 29, 2017
What an incredible final in Melbourne! I followed every minute of this intense match. Congratulations to @rogerfederer!#AusOpen
— Philipp Lahm (@philipplahm) January 29, 2017
THE KING OF GREATNESS #WeBowToYou #Roger18 https://t.co/xBW3qsRWpj pic.twitter.com/NeeDWAYQlD
— Thomas Sorensen (@TSorensen1) January 29, 2017
Federer is
— Michy Batshuayi (@mbatshuayi) January 29, 2017
MAGNIFIQUE !!! @rogerfederer légendaire
— Michy Batshuayi (@mbatshuayi) January 29, 2017
Unbelievable @rogerfederer and @RafaelNadal https://t.co/RBpHyKT1oY
— TIM CAHILL (@Tim_Cahill) January 29, 2017
Roger Federer is one sensational tennis player. #FedererNadal #AusOpen
— fabrice muamba (@fmuamba) January 29, 2017