Australian Open 2016: Andy Murray hoping for weaknesses in champion Novak Djokovic

Djokovic ended 2015 as the clear world no. 1 after collecting three of the four grand slams and begun 2016 by demolishing Rafael Nadal 6-1 6-2 in the Doha Final last week.

World number three Federer, who lost to Djokovic in last year’s Wimbledon and US Open finals, was also impressed by Djokovic’s obliteration of 14-times grand slam champion Nadal in Doha.

World number two Murray told reporters in Melbourne on 11 January that he was under few illusions as to the scale of the task.

Nadal will have to play a lot better than Djokovic if he wants to win the game.

Novak Djokovic made sure the lone blip on his jaw-dropping 2015 resume was a distant memory, routing rival Rafael Nadal 6-1, 6-2 for the season-opening Qatar ExxonMobil Open title. “But I’m playing the tennis of my life, and I will try to, you know, nurture and cherish those moments on the court”.

In a beautifully brutal 73-minute destruction, Djokovic not only defeated Nadal for the ninth time in their last 10 meetings to take a 24-23 lead in their rivalry, he barely looked stressed getting the job done. The Khalifa Complex was filled with anticipation in air, with the crowd hoping they would get to see a classic contest between two of the greatest tennis stars.

“I played against a player who is playing on a level that is hard to imagine that someone can play that good”, Nadal said of Djokovic.

He also fired six aces and hit 16 winners.

It means Djokovic still has yet to drop a set all week in four matches. The Serbian broke in the second and sixth games and closed the set out to love. “Obviously easier said than done but the way I played today gives me confidence and satisfaction playing against Rafa, a great feeling“. But the real thing is that I had a positive week.

Djokovic has cruised to his spot in the final round, beating Dustin Brown, Fernando Verdasco, Leonardo Mayer, and Tomas Berdych.

“All the tests I’ve had say that physically I am actually fine”, he said. “This trophy will hold a special place in my heart as this reminds me of someone closer, who is not with me anymore”.

The world’s top women tennis pair of Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis started the New Year on a brilliant note by clinching the women’s doubles title of the $1 million Brisbane International at the Queensland Tennis Centre on Saturday. I know him. I know his character and what a fighter and a hard worker he is.

“I spent most of the time with the baby in my arms”, Djokovic said.