Novak Djokovic has impressed even himself by the form he’s displayed at the Australian Open, declaring he’s ready for a likely semi-final match up with Roger Federer.
Djokovic brushed aside 5th seed David Ferrer 6-0, 6-3, 7-5 in a quarter final performance that bordered on perfect, at least for the first two sets. Djokovic needed several match points before finally booking his fourth consecutive slam semi-final.
“I’ve been playing great, great tennis,” Djokovic enthused. “I’m playing with more patience”
Djokovic did not give the Spaniard a chance on Rod Laver Arena, monstering Ferrer’s serve with six breaks. The match a far cry from their previous meeting, when Ferrer beat Djokovic in straight sets at November’s Masters Cup in Shanghai.
“I knew that I would have to play every point with hundred percent focus because David is kind of player who runs all the time and physically is one of the fittest players on the tour,” Djokovic said.
The new Plexicushion courts have an unabashed fan in Djokovic, who has revelled in the consistently lower bounce.
“Well, I don’t know if it suits (Federer) or not. But it suits me, that’s for sure.”
Any concerns Djokovic may have struggled to find his feet after a stellar 2007 are quickly subsiding. The Serbian won 5 events and made the final of the US Open, however the world number three was clearly fatigued at the end of the season.
“They were saying the year after breakthrough year is the most difficult one. But I’m feeling really, really good at the moment, physically and mentally.”
Djokovic will consult countryman Janko Tipsarevic, who pushed Federer to five sets in the third round, for advice going into the blockbuster semi.
“I’m going to call him.”
This is all assuming of course that Federer beats 12th seed James Blake under the Rod Laver Arena lights. While Djokovic believes he’s ready to challenge the world’s best player, he would be delighted if Blake sprung an upset. This was Djokovic’s response when asked if he wanted to see Federer win:
“Honestly, no, if you want an honest answer.”
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