MELBOURNE, Jan 25: Brought down to earth on centre court, deposed Australian Open champion Roger Federer left Melbourne Park on Friday with his head held high.

He is still, after all, the world’s best tennis player. At getting things in perspective, however, the Swiss is still a champion. “Of course, I’ve created a monster, so I know I need to always win every tournament,” he wearily told reporters after his defeat.

“Look, I’ve had 15 minutes to reflect on the match, so I can’t tell you much yet,” he said. —Reuters