体坛英语新闻：Vultures circling over Federer

MELBOURNE - With a new Grand Slam champion crowned at the Australian Open, the vultures are circling over Roger Federer's head.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic (L) shakes hands with Switzerland's Roger Federer after winning their semi-final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 25, 2008. [Agencies]

The Swiss, though, is adamant that he is still the top man in world tennis.

The world rankings bear out the Swiss ace's assertion but, make no mistake, there is a new pretender to his throne and a very credible one.

Not only did Novak Djokovic oust the world's top-ranked player from the Australian Open semifinals, but on Sunday he took the Swiss champion's crown.

It seems to sit comfortably on the amiable Serb's head and Federer must now look beyond Rafael Nadal when he is searching for danger.

Djokovic certainly provides that.

While not quite kryptonite to Federer's super powers, Djokovic's game does cause the Swiss problems.

His victory over Federer was no fluke. It was as hard-earned as it was comprehensive.

Not since Federer lost to Gustavo Kuerten in the 2004 French Open had he been beaten in straight sets at a Grand Slam.

Deft touch

Djokovic is as close to a brick wall as top-flight tennis gets. Metronomic in his rallying, he rarely makes an unforced error.

But he is no one-dimensional counterpuncher. Powerful off both wings, he possesses a thunderous serve and a deft touch in the forecourt.

He is not short on confidence either.

"I've been working very hard in the past year and a half, so it's paying off right now," the Serb calmly told reporters after dumping Federer out in Melbourne.

"Obviously, everybody was trying to figure out the way they can win against Roger.

"I knew that I had to believe in myself in the first place, and I had to be positive on the court, not nervous, just to stay with him all the time, and be aggressive. That's what I did."

Djokovic says his emergence is good for the sport.

"I think the dominance of Federer and Nadal ... was just amazing the last couple of years. So I think it's great for ... tennis lovers all around the world, to see something new."

Federer, though, is quick to remind any doubters that he suffered a viral illness before the Open and that his crown as world's best is not in danger.

'I've created a monster'

"I'll definitely reflect on what happened," Federer said after his loss to Djokovic. "You know, considering my illness, I'm sort of happy with the result here.

"Of course, I've created a monster, so I know I need to always win every tournament. But semis is still pretty good. I didn't play my best throughout the championships, but it was pretty solid, so it was OK.

"Winning every other week, you know, lose a set and people say I'm playing bad. So it's my own mistake, I guess."

"I definitely didn't play my best on big points. That's been sort of something that's stuck with me throughout the championships maybe. But, look, it happens. I've done it so many times it went my way. It's OK. Unfortunately it goes the other way, too, sometimes."

Lleyton Hewitt's former coach Roger Rasheed agrees.

"I think we just see one result, then decide to paint a certain picture, but I still think that Roger is the best player I have ever seen and he will go down as the all-time greatest," Rasheed said.

"It's a blip here but all credit goes to some other young guys who are putting their hands up and wanting to join Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal at the dinner table."