Djokovic remains modest after second Australian title (Feature)

By Bill Scott Jan 30, 2011, 22:08 GMT

Melbourne - After winning his second Australian Open title at the weekend with straight-set victories over Roger Federer and Andy Murray, cautious Novak Djokovic is still not quite ready to proclaim himself part of a tennis trinity at the top of the rankings.

Nevertheless, there is no mistaking the new-look Serb, who is benefiting from major work on his serving and exhibited the results over the past fortnight at Melbourne Park, capped with his 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 hammering of Murray in the Grand Slam final.

The golden run continues a streak which began last autumn with a second US Open final, another Beijing title and continued on as he led his nation to an historic Davis Cup trophy over France in early December.

'A Davis Cup title and another Grand Slam title - I'm living the dream of a tennis player, definitely,' said the 23-year-old who also won in Melbourne three years ago. 'I more focused and dedicated to the sport than I have ever been.'

While Nadal and Federer were surprisingly not in place for the Grand Slam's final weekend, their presence still hangs over the top of the sport, according to Djokovic.

'Still Rafa and Roger are the two best players in the world, no question about that. You can't compare my success and Murray's success to their success. They're the two most dominant players in the game for a while. All the credit to them,' Djokovic said.

'It's nice to see that there are some new players in the later stages of Grand Slams fighting for a title. That's all I can say.'

Of his victories against Murray and Federer, Djokovic said: 'Both of those guys play their best tennis on the hard courts, as well as I do. But to be able to win against those players in straight sets is incredible.'

The Djokovic who won at Melbourne Park three years ago has been replaced by the current turbocharged version.

'I feel like more experienced player, I feel a better player now than I was three years ago, because I think that physically I'm stronger, I'm faster, mentally I'm more motivated on the court,' he said.

Djokovic will remain third in the world behind Rafael Nadal and Federer. He will consult with the team he honoured in his victory speech but is due to join Murray in the ATP field indoors in Rotterdam in a week.

With his momentum surge of the past months, that may be prefect timing: 'I don't want to stop here. Definitely I want to keep my body healthy, fit, and ready for some more challenges to come.'

While hard court remains his 'favourite surface,' Djokovic made clear he plans to challenge Nadal and Federer again in the next two Grand Slams.

'I feel that I have a good game for all the surfaces. I have proven that in the past,' he said. 'I feel I can do well at French Open and Wimbledon.'

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