Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer in four sets to reach the Australian Open final
And the world No 1 forged ahead of wins over the Swiss superstar for the first time in their 10-year-old rivalry.
The defending champion, who has won the title all five times he has previously reached the final, will face either Andy Murray or No 13 seed Milos Raonic in Sunday's final.
Djokovic needed only 22 minutes to race to the first set and was two sets up and seemingly out of sight after 54 minutes. But Federer, now 34, showed his fighting spirit to battle back to win the third set before the roof was closed with rain threatening.
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Federer, who lost his serve five times in the first five rounds, was broken five times.
“Definitely I was playing unbelievably in the first two sets but that is what is necessary against Roger,” said Djokovic.
“He has been playing at a high level in this tournament. He had dropped only one set. I knew he would be aggressive and try and get into the net. A two-set lead was comforting but it was a battle in the end.”
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“Both Roger and Rafa have contributed a lot to my career and my success because of the results I have had,” said the No 1 seed.
“Playing these two guys 100 tmes have made me a better player. Now I feel I am playing at the peak of my career and I am trying to cherish every moment on the court.”
Asked what he expected in tomorrow's second semi-final, Djokovic said: “I am expecting the unexpected.”
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