Another Aussie title for ageless Federer.

Another Aussie title for ageless Federer ROGER FEDERER withstood a Marin Cilic comeback to successfully defend his Australian Open title and win a 20th grand slam crown.

Cilic recovered from two sets to one and a break down to force a fifth set but Federer proved stronger in the end to win 6-2 6-7 (5/7) 6-3 3-6 6-1 and join Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson in claiming his sixth title in Melbourne.

Although the first set quickly turned 36-year-old Federer's way, the last couple of games at least allowed 29-year-old Cilic to get a foothold, and it was he who eventually claimed a second set that saw both men have chances.

Cilic looked like he might have missed his opportunity when he netted a weak backhand on set point at 5-4 but he made up for it with a terrific tie-break, his improvement in the match demonstrated by the rock solid smash that clinched it.

He was the better player at the start of the third set, too, but Federer found his level again to take it and looked poised to cruise over the line at 3-1 in the fourth.

However, Federer was struggling to find a first serve and Cilic began to crush the second one with his forehand. The Croatian engineered an unlikely turnaround by winning five straight games to force a decider.

He piled the pressure on at the start of the fifth, overpowering Federer from the baseline, but the 36-year-old held firm to save two break points. And with that Cilic's window of opportunity shut.

Federer said on court at the presentation: "I'm so happy, it's unbelievable.

"It's a dream come true and the fairytale continues.

"It's been a long time waiting for this final. It's easier in the afternoon, but when it's at night you think about it all day. I'm happy it's over now. After the year I had last year, it's incredible."