Federer lands a perfect 10

MELBOURNE, Jan 28 (Reuters) Roger Federer achieved a perfect 10 at the Australian Open today -- and there was not a tear in sight.

The defending champion quelled the challenge of swashbuckling Chilean Fernando Gonzalez 7-6 6-4 6-4 to lift his 10th grand slam trophy.

But unlike 12 months ago, when the Swiss endearingly sobbed into Rod Laver's shoulders during the presentation ceremony, the world number one simply beamed as he held aloft the Norman Brookes cup for the third time.

''I'll try to keep it together this time,'' Federer, hugging the trophy close to his chest, said as the crowd roared with laughter.

''We all remember what happened last year.

''It's been a long (two) weeks but it all works out in the end so it's just wonderful.

''I've had a great run here again this year. I'm very proud to be holding this trophy again.'' Federer's victory over the 10th seed finished off the most dominant men's grand slam campaign in 27 years. Not since Bjorn Borg's run to the 1980 Roland Garros title had a man won a major without dropping a set in the tournament.

After sealing victory with a searing backhand winner, Federer shrieked out a jubilant 'Yes' and promptly collapsed on to his back.

Covering his face with his hands, Federer tried to calm down before he dragged himself to his feet to acknowledge the cheers and the standing ovation with raised arms.

''Roger's a great champion, he played a really good match today, all week, and almost all his life,'' Gonzalez added as he pocketed the biggest cheque of his career.

Federer joined American Bill Tilden on 10 slams and now trails Pete Sampras's all-time record by just four. He improved his win-loss record to 10-1 in major finals, with his solitary defeat inflicted by Rafael Nadal at last year's French Open.

That blemish thwarted Federer's chance of holding the full set of majors at once, achieved by Laver and Don Budge.

But by becoming the first man in the professional era to win three consecutive majors twice in his career, talk of Federer completing the Grand Slam will again gather momentum once he flies out of Australia.

GONZALEZ SPELL Gonzalez had lived a charmed life over the past fortnight as he took the baton from last year's runner-up Marcos Baghdatis in capturing the public's imagination with his cavalier demeanour on court.

Local favourite Lleyton Hewitt, fifth seed James Blake, second seed Rafael Nadal and Germany's Tommy Haas all fell under his spell.

But as Gonzalez stepped out for his first slam final, the numbers were clearly stacked against him.

The Chilean had captured seven career titles, Federer's total stood at 45. Gonzalez had a 104-60 win-loss record on hardcourts, Federer's was almost three times better at 292-64.

Most notably, he had never beaten Federer in nine previous meetings.

Gonzalez, however, did not care about the past.

He came into the match on the back of producing only three unforced errors in his semi-final destruction of Haas and was determined to carry on in the same manner.

He made his intentions clear from the start, firing an 181 kph ace to open his service account.

With gusting winds sweeping through Rod Laver Arena, Federer chose to employ serve and volley strategy but was undone by a leaping netcord in the ninth game.

Prowling the net on his serve, he saw Gonzalez's backhand pass hit the tape and bounce over his head which brought the Chilean to deuce.

As a fan cried out ''Come on speedy Gonzalez'', the Chilean found an extra spring in his step and promptly broke.

CLENCHED FIST Federer unleashed his full repertoire of shots to save two set points in the next game and drew level at 5-5. Such was the venom behind his shots, the Chilean even resorted to throwing his racket at the ball after a scorching winner blazed past him.

The 25-year-old failed to convert four set points in Gonzalez's next service game but he put his foot down in the tiebreak and streaked to a 5-0 lead.

A sizzling crosscourt winner settled the breaker 7-2 and he shook a clenched fist towards his coach Tony Roche as he strode back to his chair.

Gonzalez was left to ponder a missed opportunity, and called the trainer to massage his right shoulder.

That failed to change his fortune.

Sensing that he already had one hand on the trophy, Federer was happy to trade a bewitching assortment of spins, slices and groundstrokes with his opponent, safe in the knowledge that he would win the points that mattered.

With Gonzalez fading fast, Federer punched an ace, a volley and a forehand winner to bring up match point.

After two hours and 20 minutes, Gonzalez's dream of becoming the first Chilean man to win a grand slam singles title was all over.

Reuters SAM DB2134