Djokovic Lays Down The Gauntlet

Andy Murray and Rodger Federer take note, because if you want to win this Australian Open title there is an ominous world number one standing firm in your way.

The power and determination of Novak Djokovic have been more than stretched in this competition, but after his 4^th round thriller with Stanislas Wawrinka where he clutched victory from the jaws of defeat, the Serb’s limits have had no visible bounds.

Djokovic hunting for his 3rd successive Australian Open 

Tomas Berdych and David Ferrer were both sent packing, helpless to Djokovic’s brutality. Ferrer, well respected for his heart and fighting spirit, managed only five games as he was soundly despatched 6-2 6-2 6-1 in a one sided semi-final.

Regularly on the offense Djokovic’s tremendous groundstrokes and sheer ruthlessness didn’t allow Ferrer any sort of foot hold in the match, reminding us of the gap between the so called top four and the chasing pack.

The world number one took seven out of as many break points dropping just seven points on serve "I played incredible tennis, I felt very confident and comfortable from the start” said Djokovic following truly remarkable performance.

His motivation is the chance to become the first man in the open era to win three consecutive titles down under, something not even his great rivals Federer and Rafael Nadal have managed.

His never say die attitude has made him even more daunting for opponents; the 10-8 final set victory over Wawrinka earlier in the tournament has been one of many in recent majors.

Djokovic now has a two day rest before the facing the winner of Murray and Federer in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in tomorrow’s second semi-final.

Murray is aiming to be the first man to back up his maiden Grand Slam victory with a consecutive major  title, while Federer hopes to add a staggering 18^th Slam title to his already outstanding record of achievements .

But as Djokovic leads the way in this incredible tennis era, the message is clear that someone is going to have to produce something special to knock the Serb off his commanding perch.