Swiss star Roger Federer confirmed his place as the best player in the world with a ruthless display against jaded Russian Marat Safin to win the Australian Open and a second Grand Slam title.
Federer capped a week in which he became world number one for the first time with a straight sets demolition of Safin, whose remarkable exploits through the tournament finally caught up with him today.
Heart will take a man so far but, after consecutive five-set victories over the top seed Andy Roddick and defending champion Andre Agassi, Safin's legs could not complete the final journey and Federer glided to a majestic 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 6-2 victory.
The 24-year-old dropped only two sets all fortnight and rose above Roddick in the world rankings on Friday with his semi-final victory over Juan Carlos Ferrero.
"What a great start to the year for me to win the Australian Open and to become number one in the world," said Federer afterwards. "To fulfil my dream of winning the Open and reaching number one, particularly in a stadium with some mixed memories because of Davis Cup, means so much to me."
Unlike Wimbledon, there were no tears on court as he stood on the podium collecting the championship trophy. Federer has grown into the role of a Grand Slam champion.
Safin respected his opponent's dominance in the final. "I would like to say congratulations Roger, first of all with becoming the number one player in the world and with beating me today. He is a great player. He has all the shots. He is the most complete player on the tour."
Safin had spent six rounds, 27 sets and 18 hours, 49 minutes on court winning through to an unlikely third Grand Slam final appearance and refused to be downcast by the defeat. "I am really sorry, I just ran out of gas today," said Safin.