'Djoker' holds off wolf pack

01 February 2016 - 02:17 By Reuters

The battle to stay at the top of men's tennis is like a fight to keep hungry wolves at bay, Novak Djokovic said on Sunday after clinching a record-equalling sixth Australian Open title with a 6-1 7-5 7-6 (3) victory over Andy Murray. The 28-year-old world No1 is currently dominating the men's game like Roger Federer did a decade ago. But he is keen to ensure that he stays ahead of a ferocious chasing pack that includes the vanquished Murray."I heard a nice metaphor yesterday (Saturday) about the wolf running up the hill being much hungrier than the wolf standing on top of the hill," he said."I believe all the guys that are out there fighting each week to get to No1 are very hungry to get to No1. I think you need to work twice as hard when you're there," he said.After appearing in all four Grand Slam finals last year - and winning three - the Serb was a heavy favourite before the tournament to join Roy Emerson as a six-time winner in Australia.Djokovic acknowledged that he was playing at a different level to his rivals but he was still keen not to rest on his laurels."I believe I can win every match I play. But you can get a very big slap from karma. I don't want that," he said. ..

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