Federer: This is not the end

Roger Federer has faced up to relinquishing the last grand slam title in his possession and insisted "it's not the end in any way".

The Swiss was beaten 7-6 (7/3) 7-5 6-4 by Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open and is now without one of the game's four major trophies for the first time since 2003.

"It's not the end in any way. It's a start for many other tournaments after this," Federer said.

"Sure it is disappointing and it hurts at this moment. I wish I could have won here for a fifth time but it wasn't possible."

When it was put to him that his and Rafael Nadal's failure to reach the final was the first time that has happened at a major since here in 2008, Federer snapped: "They say that very quickly.

"Let's talk again in six months' time."

The world number two played well but he simply ran into a Djokovic who was on top of his game.

The Serb was stronger from the back of the court, singling out the Federer backhand for particular attention, and strong on serve which is an area which has improved beyond recognition in recent months.

Federer added: "I thought he played a great match.

"I didn't think I played badly myself and it was a match played at a very high intensity for a long period of time. We had long, tough rallies and played at a very high speed."

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