Mature Djokovic can be No 1 - Davis Cup captain

Novak Djokovic has every chance of becoming world number one this year after winning his second Australian Open in Melbourne on Sunday, according to Serbia's Davis Cup captain Bogdan Obradovic.

Djokovic, who lifted his first grand slam trophy in Rod Laver Arena in 2008, raced to a 6-4 6-2 6-3 whitewash of Briton Andy Murray and Obradovic said the Serb's effervescent performance showed a more mature player than three years ago.

"Djokovic has improved in every department and quite frankly, I expected him to beat Murray after the way he played throughout the tournament," Obradovic told Reuters in a telephone interview.

"He has become mentally and physically stronger, he is even more accurate with his passing shots than in 2008 and can win points quickly when he needs to.

"With all that in mind, it will be very difficult to stop him from becoming the world number one this year, if he keeps playing at this level throughout the season."

Djokovic had only a brief break after steering Serbia to their first Davis Cup title in December and Obradovic believes that success galvanised the world number three in the season's opening grand slam event.

"One would have maybe expected fatigue to become a factor because Djokovic went the extra mile for Serbia in the Davis Cup but in fact, it only motivated him to keep going and show the kind of consistency he is capable of," he said.

"It seems that taking a break from the Davis Cup hasn't helped (world number one) Rafael Nadal, while (number two) Roger Federer will only find it more difficult to keep Djokovic at bay after the outcome of their semi-final in Melbourne."

Like in 2008, Djokovic defeated Federer in straight sets to reach the final and also never looked back against Murray after breaking serve in the 10th game to take the opening set.

Rarely able to subdue his emotions on the court in the past, Djokovic refrained from a trademark pummelling of his chest or a berating of himself against the Briton, always looking more relaxed than his rival.

"Djokovic has gone to another level. He is a different player and a different person, more confident than ever before in his career," Obradovic said.

With Reuters