Novak Djokovic downs Roger Federer to book berth in final
Federer bullish despite semi-final exit
Serena demolishes Radwanska, slams her way to final
The question seemed to be a compliment. Sure, Novak Djokovic's run of dominance in recent times has been impressive. But did the Serb star have to overcome the same calibre of player that Federer faced throughout the mid-2000s, when the Swiss maestro was revered as the world's best player?
It's a question worth pondering, but not one that Federer seemed interested in investing in after he succumbed in four sets to Djokovic in the semi-final of the Australian Open.
"You've got to be careful how to phrase the question," Federer, 34, said after a few seconds of silence.
"You don't want to disrespect the other players. You don't have to face them, I've got to face them." He then labelled the query a "stupid question".
It's not often Federer has had to defend his credentials. But he went to significant lengths to back his form after the loss to Djokovic, who won three grand slams in 2015 and this weekend will play his sixth Australian Open final.
"I have self-confidence ... that doesn't fade away very quickly," Federer said.
"I know it's not easy. I never thought it was easy. But best-of-three (sets), best-of-five ... I can run for four or five hours - it's not a problem.
"I know you guys (in the media) make it a different case - I get that because you think I'm old and all that - but it's no problem for me. It doesn't scare me when I go into a big match against any player who's in their prime right now.
"It's disappointing, but at the same time I'm going deep in slams right now - I'm having great runs.
"Novak right now is a reference for everybody. He's the only guy that has been able to stop me as of late.
"It's okay. I wish I could have played a bit better, and who knows what would have happened, but today Novak was very, very good - there's no doubt about it."
It's a question worth pondering, but not one that Federer seemed interested in investing in after he succumbed in four sets to Djokovic in the semi-final of the Australian Open.
"You've got to be careful how to phrase the question," Federer, 34, said after a few seconds of silence.
"You don't want to disrespect the other players. You don't have to face them, I've got to face them." He then labelled the query a "stupid question".
It's not often Federer has had to defend his credentials. But he went to significant lengths to back his form after the loss to Djokovic, who won three grand slams in 2015 and this weekend will play his sixth Australian Open final.
"I have self-confidence ... that doesn't fade away very quickly," Federer said.
"I know it's not easy. I never thought it was easy. But best-of-three (sets), best-of-five ... I can run for four or five hours - it's not a problem.
"I know you guys (in the media) make it a different case - I get that because you think I'm old and all that - but it's no problem for me. It doesn't scare me when I go into a big match against any player who's in their prime right now.
"It's disappointing, but at the same time I'm going deep in slams right now - I'm having great runs.
"Novak right now is a reference for everybody. He's the only guy that has been able to stop me as of late.
"It's okay. I wish I could have played a bit better, and who knows what would have happened, but today Novak was very, very good - there's no doubt about it."
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