Federer eventually extended his Grand Slam record in the men's game after an incredible three-hour battle on the Rod Laver court as it took five sets and some stunning changes of momentum.
Cilic fought bravely but Roger Federer was just too good in the end and won 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.
World No 2 Federer came into he match hotf avourite having not dropped a set on the way to the final and after beating Cilic in the Wimbledon final last year.
And he surged to an early lead in comfortable fashion before Cilic rounded to make a game of it.
Federer simply blew Cilic away in the first set and looked on course for a straight-set victory but things swung round in the second set.
Federer then swarmed forward and won the third without much trouble before Cilic managed to get on top again.
But that was the end of the fight and Federer roared home in the final set to make it 20 Grand Slam titles and a sixth Australian Open title.
"I'm so happy, it's unbelievable,” Federer said on court afterwards.
"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. It's a dream come true and the fairytale continues
."After the year I had last year, it's incredible.
The 36-year-old, the second oldest man to win a slam title behind Ken Rosewall, moves four clear again of Rafael Nadal in terms of overall titles and is only three behind Serena Williams and four adrift of all-time record holder Margaret Court.
The crunch moment of the match came in the opening game of the decider. Playing at his peak, Cilic overpowered Federer from the baseline but the second seed withstood the pressure to save two break points.
Cilic fought bravely but Roger Federer was just too good in the end and won 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.
World No 2 Federer came into he match hotf avourite having not dropped a set on the way to the final and after beating Cilic in the Wimbledon final last year.
And he surged to an early lead in comfortable fashion before Cilic rounded to make a game of it.
Federer simply blew Cilic away in the first set and looked on course for a straight-set victory but things swung round in the second set.
Federer then swarmed forward and won the third without much trouble before Cilic managed to get on top again.
But that was the end of the fight and Federer roared home in the final set to make it 20 Grand Slam titles and a sixth Australian Open title.
"I'm so happy, it's unbelievable,” Federer said on court afterwards.
"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. It's a dream come true and the fairytale continues
."After the year I had last year, it's incredible.
The 36-year-old, the second oldest man to win a slam title behind Ken Rosewall, moves four clear again of Rafael Nadal in terms of overall titles and is only three behind Serena Williams and four adrift of all-time record holder Margaret Court.
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