Australian Open: Novak Djokovic Defeats Roger Federer in Definitive Semifinal Match

Novak Djokovic is back, and stronger than ever. He demonstrated his new, improved game and confidence in yesterday's Australian Open semifinal match against Roger Federer.

Unlike the 2010 US Open semifinal, where Djokovic had to save match points, yesterday's victory was definitive and decisive.

What's even more significant is the fact that Roger Federer did not play badly. Unlike the injured Nadal, Federer was in fine form, especially after working with his new coach Paul Anancone. Federer didn't choke or give away the match. Djokovic had to earn it.

Looking at the Australian Open semifinal match statistics, there was not that much of a difference between the two players. Novak won 73 percent of his first serve points compared to Roger's 71 percent. Djokovic had 29 winners and 35 unforced errors compared to Federer's 35 winners and 44 unforced errors. Djokovic won a total of 119 points compared to Federer's 111.

And looking at the body language of the players, it looked as if Federer could have staged a comeback. Federer seemed to have more stamina. Novak Djokovic did take a beating on several points. At 2-4 in the second set, Novak actually fell a few times. Federer was able to save two break points in that game and hold.

Both players displayed tremendously high-quality tennis during the first set. Both Djokovic and Federer knew how crucial it would be to win that first set, as it would provide much-needed momentum for the rest of the match. Djokovic won the first set in a tie-break 7-6 (7-3).

Where Novak Djokovic stood out was with his bold, fearless tennis; his improved serve; and his return game, which allowed him to convert crucial break chances to turn the match around. At 5-3 in the second set, Federer was serving for the set, but Djokovic was able to break to go back on serve. At 5-5, he was able to break Federer again and hold the following game to win the second set.

This will be the first major final without either Federer or Rafael Nadal (who injured himself and lost to David Ferrer in the quarterfinal).

While it may be tempting to talk about the "end of an era" or the "decline of Federer," it would be a bit unfair not to give Djokovic the credit he deserves. Federer is not in decline by any means. His playing style and fitness will continue to lend to his success and longevity in his career. Djokovic just happens to be an improved player who can compete and even win against the best.

Djokovic will compete in the Australian Open final against either Andy Murray or David Ferrer. Any of them would be deserving winners. Andy Murray carries the weight of the British Empire on his shoulders while David Ferrer has been long overlooked in favor of his compatriot, Nadal.

For Novak Djokovic, this milestone victory against the legendary Roger Federer may just give him the momentum to win his second Australian Open title.