MELBOURNE - With a new Grand Slam champion crowned at the Australian Open, the vultures are circling over Roger Federer's head.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic (L) shakes hands with Switzerland's Roger Federer after winning their semi-final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 25, 2008. [Agencies] The Swiss, though, is adamant that he is still the top man in world tennis.

The world rankings bear out the Swiss ace's assertion but, make no mistake, there is a new pretender to his throne and a very credible one.

Not only did Novak Djokovic oust the world's top-ranked player from the Australian Open semifinals, but on Sunday he took the Swiss champion's crown.

It seems to sit comfortably on the amiable Serb's head and Federer must now look beyond Rafael Nadal when he is searching for danger.

Djokovic certainly provides that.

While not quite kryptonite to Federer's super powers, Djokovic's game does cause the Swiss problems.

His victory over Federer was no fluke. It was as hard-earned as it was comprehensive.

Not since Federer lost to Gustavo Kuerten in the 2004 French Open had he been beaten in straight sets at a Grand Slam.

Deft touch

Djokovic is as close to a brick wall as top-flight tennis gets. Metronomic in his rallying, he rarely makes an unforced error.

But he is no one-dimensional counterpuncher. Powerful off both wings, he possesses a thunderous serve and a deft touch in the forecourt.

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