May 22, 2013
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- Top-ranked Roger Federer's streak of
10 straight Grand Slam finals has come to an abrupt end in a
straight-set loss to third-seeded Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
Federer had been seeking his third consecutive title, but lost
to an emotional opponent who notched 13 aces and 50 winners, in the
7-5, 6-3, 7-6 win. Djokovic largely avoided the nerves that have
occasionally troubled him.
At a post-match news conference Federer said, "You can't always
play your best," adding "There is no doubt I have played better
before."
Djokovic will face unseeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in
Sunday's final. Tsonga beat second-seeded Rafael Nadal yesterday.
Maria Sharapova will play Ana Ivanovic in the
women's finals which will be played tonight eastern time.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
