Tennis players, more than most sportsmen, have a habit of being labelled all too readily in the modern age. Roger Federer, not to his detriment, is regarded as the most stylish player on court; seldom respiring in sweeping opponents aside. Rafael Nadal is viewed as the ultimate example of athleticism, while fellow-countryman David Ferrer is known as the sports' finest baseline defender.

But those wishing to categorise the world No.1 Novak Djokovic would not only work to undervalue the Serbian but define a player who is the most elusive on the ATP tour. Djokovic transcends eras in tennis, he is simply superhuman.

Having overcome Swiss No.2 Stanislas Wawrinka over five gruelling hours, Djokovic faced Tomas Berdych for a place in the quarter final. Perhaps a sign of the depth of the world rankings or simply that solid, yet unspectacular tennis can yield success, but the Czech has often been accused of offering little with his groundstrokes, while lacking movement to eventually breach the top four.

It's debatable what sort of contest Djokovic would have preferred straight after his meeting with Wawrinka. Someone in the mould of Berdych, who hits a heavy ball can quickly wear you down, while an opponent more intent on movement could assist in blowing away the cobwebs.

Novak Djokovic
Djokovic has looked indestructible in Melbourne.

As it turned out, Djokovic let his forehand do the talking as he kept points short; highlighting the defending champion's ability to find the lines. The opening set was quickly taken 6-1.

The second set saw Berdych snatch the initiative, with an early break, which he eventually converted to level the match. But again, Djokovic hit back as he continued to keep the points short in the third, and when he failed, he simply sat deep and used his stinging backhand to great effect and Berdych blegeoned the ball without success.

The final set followed a similar pattern, with Djokovic equal to Berdych, as the former Wimbledon and US Open semi-final opted to stand and deliver but could watch on in awe as his opponent ate up the ground.

It's like Berdych felt he could hit Djokovic off the court in the early stages, and then wait for him to simply drop dead, but the five-time grand slam winner is made of stronger stuff. In fact, he verges on the invincible these days.

The debate over the greatest player ever often stalls when the discussions begins to compare the varying eras in the sport, and the equipment available. But such is Djokoivic's style, far from pretty but remarkably effective, suggests he could compete with the best from any age in tennis. He must be considered one of the game's great counterpunchers, a style which could quell any of the game's premier names.

In the context of this fortnight in Melbourne, you fear for both Federer and Andy Murray should either one face Djokovic in Sunday's final, simply because they'll be facing an opponent who looks beyond human down under. Not a bad label.