Australian Open 2011: This time we are not going to see Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s fight in final. Roger Federer lost his semifinals to Novak Djokovic. And the world’s No.1 Nadal has already left with injury.

The Swiss was beaten 7-6 (7/3) 7-5 6-4 by Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open. “It’s not the end in any way. It’s a start for many other tournaments after this,” Federer said.

Expectations are that the possible final showdown on Sunday will be between Djokovic and Andy Murray. Swiss press described Federer as “bankrupt on court” against Djokovic, powerless to stop the imperious Serb from eliminating the four-time champion for the second successive major.

Federer, though, said reports of his death as a grand slam force had been greatly exaggerated. “They say that very quickly, so let’s talk in six months again,” the 16-times major said.

“I’m really excited for what’s to come. This is obviously a bit of a blow. At the same time, I played a good tournament. I have no regrets. I left everything out there. We’ll see what

“I can move on from this with a good mindset, to be honest. That’s what’s important right now, that I don’t feel like I have physical issues or I’m not playing the right way and whatever.

“Clearly it’s disappointing to lose, but what to do if he plays well on the big points and potentially maybe I didn’t. It was a tough match.

“I’ve been successful here under all circumstances, night and day, windy and hot, whatever. When you end up losing you wish you had different conditions.

“I think he managed the conditions well. He played great. He played well when he had to. Yeah, he deserved to win at the end.”

The world number two played well but he simply ran into a Djokovic who was on top of his game.

The Serb was stronger from the back of the court, singling out the Federer backhand for particular attention, and strong on serve which is an area which has improved beyond recognition in recent months.

Federer added: “I thought he played a great match.

“I didn’t think I played badly myself and it was a match played at a very high intensity for a long period of time. We had long, tough rallies and played at a very high speed.”



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