Novak Djokovic advanced to his sixth Australian Open final with a 6-1 6-2 3-6 6-3 victory over Roger Federer.
The world number one dominated the first two sets with some superb hitting, then had to hold off a spirited Federer fightback.
It is the third straight Grand Slam in which Djokovic has beaten the Swiss, prolonging Federer’s wait for an 18th major title. Djokovic will face Andy Murray or Canada’s Milos Raonic in the final.
The Serb has beaten British number one Murray in the final on three previous occasions, including last year’s four-set victory. “I played unbelievably in the first two sets but I needed to because Roger has been playing unbelievably and I knew he would be aggressive,” 10-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic said.
Meanwhile, Serena Williams beat Polish fourth seed Agnieszeka Radwanska 6-0, 6-4 in just 64 minutes to reach the Australian Open final .
Saturday’s championship match against German Angelique Kerber will be the 26th Grand Slam final of William’s career as the 34-year-old bids for a 22nd Grand Slam singles title, which would equal Steffi Graf’s Open Era record.
Williams said: ‘I’m really excited to be in another final. It just kind of blows my mind right now. I just feel like I’m playing the best I can and I can’t believe I’m in the final.’ Radwanska had come into the semi-final on a 13-match win streak which stretched back to her WTA Finals success at the end of last season.
But she could only win seven points in the first set as Williams made a stunning start, racing to the opening set in just 21 minutes and hitting 18 winners to Radwanska’s one.
There was a big cheer from the Rod Laver Arena crowd as Radwanska prevented the dreaded double bagel by holding her serve in the first game of the second set.