Novak Djokovic’s battled his way past Nadal in the Australian Open final, putting the Spaniard to the sword with a 6-3, 6-2, 6- win at the Rod Laver Arena.
The 31-year-old’s triumph means he now has 15 Grand Slam titles to his name.
The worrying thing for Djokovic’s rivals is that this is a man who, after years of injury turmoil, is operating at the peak of his powers. Not even Nadal can handle that.
Djokovic has won the last three Grand Slams. The Australian Open has been added to the Wimbledon and US Open wins last year.
And now, Federer’s record is in sight.
Djokovic is now five adrift of the 37-year-old. Despite being six years his junior.
The French Open is up next and that is where Federer will really have to respond.
The Swiss star has not played at Roland Garros for the last two years.
But with Djokovic closing in on his record, he cannot afford to skip it again. Instead, he must do his utmost to take the crown.
After that, comes Wimbledon.
Federer is the king of the competition, having won the title eight times.
But Djokovic’s form at the tournament last year means that he will again be among the favourites.
His Australian Open triumph over Nadal on Sunday was something else.
And Djokovic is operating so well that Federer needs to respond if he is to remain tennis’ greatest champion.
Meanwhile, Rod Laver believes Djokovic will eclipse Federer – who has ‘one Wimbledon win in him’.
“I think Federer has maybe got another Wimbledon in him,” Laver told The Metro.
“But he is battling a little bit. His age and strokes are not quite the same as they were two years ago.
“But he is still a force to be fought with.
“When you look at the others, Novak and Rafa, I would think Novak will certainly.
“When you look at his age, and form winning the last two, I would say Djokovic can eclipse Roger.”