MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Defending champion Roger Federer was knocked out of the Australian Open 7-6 (3), 7-5, 6-4 by 2008 winner Novak Djokovic on Thursday, joining Rafael Nadal on the sidelines of the first Grand Slam tournament of the year.
The talk before the event was a blockbuster final between Nadal, going for his fourth straight Grand Slam win, and Federer, who was aiming for his fifth Australian title and perhaps the only player who could stop him.
Instead, Nadal was eliminated by fellow Spaniard David Ferrer and Federer is heading home. Djokovic will face Andy Murray or Ferrer in the final.
It’s the first time since 2003 that 16-time Grand Slam winner Federer will not hold any of the four major trophies.
