Melbourne, Australia — Roger Federer experienced quite a range of emotions these past two Australian Opens.

A year ago, he sobbed on court after losing a thrilling final in five sets.

Federer was all smiles Sunday after rather easily beating Andy Murray, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (11), for a fourth championship in Melbourne and 16th Grand Slam title overall.

“All of a sudden, it was over, and it hit me,” Federer said. “It was very much a roller-coaster.”

While Murray missed a chance to end a drought for British men at Grand Slam tournaments that stretches all the way to 1936, Federer became the first dad to win a major singles title since 2003. He also now can aim at a true, calendar-year Grand Slam, something no man has accomplished since 1969.

“I’m over the moon winning this again,” the 28-year-old Swiss star said. “I played some of my best tennis in my life these last two weeks. It’s also very special — the first Grand Slam as a father.”

NFL

Source: Freeney very iffy

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Dwight Freeney’s injured ankle is “really bad” and could keep him out of the Super Bowl, a person close to the All-Pro defensive end told the Associated Press in an e-mail Sunday night.

The person requested anonymity because the information differed from what the Indianapolis Colts said earlier in the day. The team insisted that Freeney has a low ankle sprain and remains questionable for the game Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

Miami honors Shula

Miami — In tribute to Don Shula, the Miami Dolphins have a new statue and address, and the NFL has a new award.

The statue of Shula in front of the Dolphins’ new stadium offices was unveiled before Sunday’s Pro Bowl. The address of the offices will be 347 Don Shula Drive, in recognition of his NFL-record 347 victories. The NFL announced the creation of an annual Coach Shula Award, which will honor a coach at any level who displays the integrity, achievement and positive impact on others exemplified by Shula.

DE Peppers likely leaving

Charlotte, N.C. — Snubbed by the Carolina Panthers since the end of the season, the agent for five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers is convinced his client will play elsewhere in 2010.

Carl Carey said Sunday night the Panthers have “not made a single inquiry this offseason” regarding the impending unrestricted free agent.

Ryan apologizes for gesture

Sunrise, Fla. — New York Jets coach Rex Ryan apologized Sunday for making an obscene gesture at a mixed martial arts event.

Ryan was booed Saturday night while doing a TV interview at the MMA event in the Bank Atlantic Center, the Florida Panthers’ home arena. He was smiling when caught making the gesture by a cell phone camera.

Golf

Karlsson tops at Qatar

Doha, Qatar — Robert Karlsson of Sweden shot a 7-under 65 to win the Qatar Masters by three strokes Sunday. The 40-year-old Karlsson made seven birdies to finish 15-under 273.

Crane holds on at Farmers

San Diego — Ben Crane made two birdie putts longer than 45 feet to build a big enough cushion that missing a few short putts down the stretch didn’t cost him Sunday in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines.

Crane knocked in a 30-inch par putt on the final hole for a 2-under 70 and a one-shot victory over Michael Sim, Brandt Snedeker and Marc Leishman. Crane birdied three of his first five holes. It was Crane’s third career victory and first in nearly five years, and this one earned him a trip back to the Masters.

NBA

Report: Paul needs surgery

New Orleans Hornets All-Star point guard Chris Paul will undergo arthroscopic surgery for a cartilage tear in his left knee today and could miss one to two months, Yahoo! Sports reported Sunday night.

Paul first hurt his left knee in a game at Golden State on Wednesday.

The injury is not believed to be season-ending, but Paul will miss the Feb. 14 All-Star game in Arlington, Texas.