Australian Open 2016: 5 things that Federer must do to end Djokovic's reign at Australia

It’s the 45th meeting between the clash of the titans, at the Rod Laver Arena today.Two things can be said at the moment, about Thursday’s epic semi-final clash. One is, if both players play their best tennis, no doubt, that Djokovic is the clear favourite to win the match.On the other hand Federer is the only player who can match Djokovic’s level, and end his dominance. If we consider the second thing into perspective, What Federer actually do to match Djokovic’s level and end his reign at Australia.Here are 5 things the 34-year-old Swiss needs to do, to be successful against a player of Djokovic’s calibre:

#1 Sneak attack by Roger Federer

Federer’s SABR has troubled Djokovic in the past.

Djokovic has great respect for Federer’s game, but one thing he doesn’t like about his game is the unpredictable SABR used by Federer in North America last year. “I think the worst thing for a tennis player or any athlete is unpredictability, not knowing what is coming next,” Djokovic said in a recent interview. “That is what Roger possesses, the variety in his game. So that’s what plays with your mind. What is coming next? Will he do this SABR thing?” Djokovic referred to the Sneak Attack by Roger, in which Federer charges the net on his opponent’s second serve.“Will he come to net? Will he stay back? Will he chip it? Will he rip it? It keeps you guessing all the time. That is why it’s so tough to play Roger.”

This is one thing Federer needs to use, to break Djokovic’s strong mentality. Djokovic doesn’t have a powerful second serve, so Federer must use this lethal weapon on Thursday.

#2 Strong on his backhand side

Federer’s backhand was his low point

Djokovic exploited Federer’s backhand numerous times last year. The stats shows that Djokovic has hit more than 60% of the winners on Federer’s backhand side at Wimbledon and US Open last year. But Djokovic acknowledged the fact that Federer has improved his backhand compared to previous years. The Serb was often troubled by Federer’s variety of shots on his backhand side -the backhand slices and short slices.

#3 Win the first set

Federer vs Djokovic first set at US Open

The first set is going to be crucial for Federer’s chances of winning the match. The Swiss defeated the World No 1 only once in his career after losing the first set. He lost the first set, both in Wimbledon and US Open last year. The Swiss maestro, is making a lot of unforced errors than Djokovic. After the first set, Federer couldn't able to dictate the play, he used to do against other opponents. When Federer defeated Djokovic last year, he won the first set and went on to win the match in Straight sets at Dubai, Cincinnati and ATP World Tour Finals.

Last time Federer's Grand Slam win against Djokovic was at Wimbledon in 2012, he won the first set that lead him to win the match convincingly in four sets.

#4 Move to the net and attack Djokovic\'s Forehand

Djokovic forehand is a weak point in his game.

Djokovic's forehand is not as good as Federer’s. But Federer has been attacking his backhand, which is a strong part of his game. The Serb’s majority of passing shots have come with his backhand than the forehand. When Federer moves to the net to shorten the rallies, he needs to attack his defensive forehand.

Federer’s strong part is his serve and volley, with Djokovic improving his serve and volleys in the past year, the only way to beat him is to go forward, 1968 Wimbledon finalist Tony Roche said an interview at Melbourne Park. Roche is a highly experienced coach, having guided former top-ranked players including Stefan Edberg, Ivan Lendl, and Lleyton Hewitt.

“If I were coaching somebody that’s playing Djokovic, it’d tell them to get in more,” Roche said. “Roger has done that in two-out-of-three set matches. But you’ve got to sustain that sort of pressure for three, four of five sets and that takes a lot of doing and you just can’t all of a sudden switch on to do that, you’ve got to be doing that for two or three years to be able to do it.”

#5 Federer\'s own serve

Federer has been broken only two times in 5 matches.

Whatever Federer - the top earner in tennis throws at him Djokovic will be ready. But one thing, will be under Federer’s control – his own serve. Last year Federer was in outstanding form at Wimbledon and US Open with his old-fashioned service game. He was broken only once by Sam Groth at Wimbledon and Philip Kohlschreiber in US Open. He won all the match without losing a set at London and New York except in the finals. Djokovic’s strong return game has always turned out to been an enemy to Federer’s serve.

But Federer controls his own destiny as he presses the issue and tries to win points at the net. He was 23 for 28 (83 percent) against Berdych. “He (Djokovic) will be hitting passing shots and I’ll be there attacking,” Federer said. “I’ll be the one controlling the match in a way so I accept that. I have to hold my service games because by holding it puts pressure on Novak.

More than 90 percent of spectators at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday evening will be barracking for Federer in their semifinal. Can the Swiss pass the Serbinator’s test?