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MELBOURNE. — Roger Federer reckons world No. 1 Novak Djokovic is the clear favourite to win the Australian Open tennis title.
Federer is the two-time defending champion in Melbourne, and has looked in top form heading into the event, defeating World No. 4 Alexander Zverev on the way to a second Hopman Cup title.
In contrast, a disgruntled Djokovic suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of Roberto Bautista Agut in Doha last week. But despite a faultless showing in Perth, and Djokovic’s apparent struggles, Federer has played down his chances of capturing a third successive Australian Open title and 21st Grand Slam trophy.
“No doubt about it, Novak is the favourite,” he said. “Regardless of what happened in Doha, the game had a super, super strong last five or six months of the year.
“With his class once he gets his groove back he is hard to beat.”
Federer added: “I’m one of the top 10 favourites and so are many others. I don’t know the draw yet, I don’t know who my first round opponent is, I don’t know if I play on Monday or day or night.
“In terms of who is going to win it, we know who the usual suspects are and I am part of that bunch.” — AFP
Online Reporter