Pretty much every time Roger Federer steps between the confines of a tennis court, he makes history.
For example, his four-hour thriller with John Millman on Friday night was the first fifth-set tiebreaker to conclude a match at Rod Laver Arena.
It’s too easy to get embroiled in all the stats from Federer’s longevity and record breaking, but one stood out.
Thanks to his victory over Millman, the 20-time Grand Slam champion is now a centurion at the Australian Open. Martina Navratilova (Wimbledon), Chris Evert and Serena Williams (US Open) have also notched up centuries at the majors, but Federer is out on his own, by also achieving this majestic milestone at Wimbledon last year.
MORE: Federer finds a way past Millman
His astonishing 100 singles match wins at Melbourne Park have stretched across a record 21 successive campaigns Down Under.
Since the Swiss maestro’s debut in 2000 (he defeated Michael Chang en route to the third round) he has lifted the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup six times. The first title came in 2004 with victory over Marat Safin, with his most recent triumph against Marin Cilic two years ago.
During this 21-year stint, Federer has a win-loss record of 310-75 in sets, 2246-1484 in games and now 38-17 in tie-breaks.
Let’s take a look at six of the finest Melbourne moments by the six-time AO champion.
Win No.16: 2004 semifinal v Juan Carlos Ferrero
Federer was already a Grand Slam champion, having ruled at Wimbledon in 2003, but opened his Australian Open account without a coach.
The Swiss made his mark, advancing to the fourth round for the first time, before outmanoeuvring Lleyton Hewitt and David Nalbandian.
His 6-4 6-1 6-4 semifinal victory over Roland Garros winner Ferrero was sublime. Federer’s performance prompted John McEnroe to claim “he could be the greatest talent in the history of tennis.”
Win No.26: 2006 fourth round v Tommy Haas
Federer was under close scrutiny after falling to Safin in the 2005 semifinals. He wanted his Melbourne crown back, and his desire was well and truly tested by the former world No.2 Haas.
The Swiss had sauntered through the opening two sets with consummate ease, but Haas (a semifinalist in 1999 and 2002) threatened a giant comeback.
However, Federer redialled and managed to take the decider, winning 6-4 6-0 3-6 4-6 6-2. Title No.2 soon followed.
Win No.35: 2007 semifinals v Andy Roddick
This was a virtuoso display from the reigning champion.
The world No.1 reeled off 15 of 17 games from a break down in the opening set, clattering 45 winners past the demoralised American in a 6-4 6-0 6-2 demolition.
"I was really worried going into this match he had been playing so well. I had one of those days where everything worked and I was unbeatable,” declared Federer, having booked his seventh straight Grand Slam final.
"It's just unreal, I'm shocked myself. I've played good matches here, but never really almost destroyed somebody. That's a highlight of my career."
Win No.46: 2009 quarterfinals vs Juan Martin del Potro
The Argentine was the sixth best player in the world, but was flattened 6-3 6-0 6-0 by serving perfection from Federer.
In the 80-minute serving exhibition, Federer lost just nine points on his own delivery. Simply unplayable.
Win No.87: 2017 final v Rafael Nadal
Four full seasons had passed, and Federer had been written off countless times having not lifted major silverware since Wimbledon in 2012.
Knee surgery forced the Swiss to take time out, but the six months on the sidelines reignited his perspective and powers.
He returned to the main stage in Melbourne as the world No.17, and sparkled in captivating five-setters with Kei Nishikori and compatriot Stan Wawrinka.
The final was an instant classic, facing perennial rival Nadal. The shot-making, undulating momentum; Rod Laver Arena was a cacophony of noise.
To top it off, Federer recovered from a 0-3 deficit in the decider to finally banish the Grand Slam drought with 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 victory.
Win No.94: 2018 final v Marin Cilic
Another final, another five-set blockbuster.
Forty-one winners soared off Federer’s racquet in a pulsating match, but it was the raw emotion after the 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 win that makes this memorable.
His father was crying in the crowd, and Rod Laver was recording the trophy presentation on his phone. It was a massive moment with Federer saying “the fairytale continues.”
Wiping away the tears, Federer made a passionate speech of appreciation for his fans. The real people’s champion.