Djokovic predicts on-going Federer duel after Aussie win
Novak Djokovic hopes to break Roger Federer's stranglehold on the men's game
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Monday, 28, Jan 2008 10:39
New Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic is optimistic that he can now challenge Roger Federer's long-held status as world number one.
The 20-year-old Serbian overturned Federer in the semi-finals on his way to victory in Melbourne and reckons he has the game to challenge the five-times Wimbledon champion on grass and clay as well.
When asked if he has the ability to compete with the Swiss star as effectively in the season's remaining grand slams he replied: "Yes, I think I do.
"I'm still starting to get there and I'm only 20 years old.
"I still have a lot of time and every time I play him or whoever from the top, I learn something new."
Federer's 7-6 6-3 7-6 loss to Djokovic was his first straight-sets reverse in a grand slam since 2004, but the victor was also keen to keep his win in perspective.
"It's not possible that only one tournament is changing the history [of tennis]," he said.
"I am sure he is going to come back in a big style, of course. He's still planning to be the best player in the world, so we all know how good he is."
Djokovic also revealed that he revelled in an unaccustomed role as the senior pro in his final battle with Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Tsonga was ranked 38th at the beginning of the event while Djokovic, the world number three, reached the final four of Wimbledon and the French Open last year as well as making a losing appearance in the US Open final.
"I found myself in the strange situation of being the favourite in a grand slam final but I managed to cope with the pressure well to win," Djokovic said.
"Obviously playing in a grand slam final before gave me a lot of experience and I was more focused."