Djokovic gets Fed’s ‘star’ rating

Melbourne, Novak Djokovic deserves a “little star” next to his name for a spectacular 2015 season that saw him win three Grand Slams among his 11 titles but the men’s game is not simply a matter of the Serb versus the rest, Roger Federer said on Saturday.
The world number one’s dominance has seen pundits line up to declare the end of the ‘Big Four’ — suggesting Federer, Rafa Nadal and Andy Murray are unable to compete on equal terms at Grand Slams with Djokovic.
The Serb heads into the Australian Open a raging favourite to capture his sixth title at Melbourne Park but Federer gave short shrift to talk of a Djokovic dictatorship, pointing to Stan Wawrinka’s victory over him in the French Open final.
“It completely depends what you’re looking at. If you’re looking at (Djokovic’s) season, he was the most dominant player by far last year,” Federer said.
“Then if you look at just who won the Slams and the Masters 1000s, doesn’t hold truth, because Stan won the French. Who’s had the most success?” he said. “The top five guys really, with Stan, you know, Murray, myself, Novak and Rafa. I still think the same guys are playing very well. But, of course, Novak deserves like a little star next to his name right now because he’s been doing extremely well,” he added. “Same for Stan, really.”
Saketh fails to qualify
Melbourne:India’s Saketh Myneni gave his all but could not cross the final hurdle at the Australian Open Qualifiers, losing the third round to Mirza Basic here today. Myneni lost 6-3 4-6 6-8 after battling for two hours and six minutes with his opponent from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bopanna-Mergea lose final
Sydney: Rohan Bopanna and Florin Mergea had to be content with a runners-up finish at the ATP Apia International after losing the summit clash to Bruno Soares and Jamie Murray.
The fourth seeded Indo-Romanian pair lost the final 3-6 6-7(6). — Agencies
I’m 130% ready, says Serena
Melbourne: World No. 1 Serena Williams has insisted that she is “120, 130%” ready to defend her crown. She had to withdraw from the Hopman Cup with knee inflammation, but says that the injury is healed and there is no inflammation anymore. “I’m at 120, 130 percent right now… I actually wanted to have an easy day. But to me in my mind ‘easy’ is just two hours of really intense working out,” she said. “I don’t have anything to prove,” she said. “I have nothing to lose. I can only gain.”