Federer eases into semi-final

Roger Federer moved into his eighth consecutive Australian Open semi-final with a convincing victory over Swiss compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka.

Roger Federer moved into his eighth consecutive Australian Open semi-final with a convincing victory over Swiss compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka.

The manner of Wawrinka’s wins over Gael Monfils and Andy Roddick in his two previous matches offered hope he could test the defending champion but the 19th seed was simply blown away as Federer cruised through 6-1 6-3 6-3 to set up a last four clash with either Tomas Berdych or Novak Djokovic.

Federer was quickly out of the blocks and raced through the opening set, breaking Wawrinka in the second game and then again for a 5-1 lead.

The match could have turned in game six of the second set when Wawrinka claimed his first break point of the match. He was then presented with a makeable backhand pass up the line only to hammer it wastefully wide.

It signalled the beginning of the end for Wawrinka. His head dropped and, as the frustration started to mount, Federer capitalised, breaking in the next game with a backhand winner.

The 16-time grand slam winner threatened again when he brought up a set point at 5-3 on the Wawrinka serve. He missed it with an uncharacteristically sloppy drop-shot but second time round he made no mistake with a cross-court winner.

Down two sets and with Federer’s first-serve percentage getting up to the 80% mark, there was never going to be a way back for Wawrinka and he sensed it, smashing his racket into the court after dropping his serve once more at the start of the third as Federer broke with a winner down the line.

The world number two did not let up and cruised through in one hour and 47 minutes.

“I needed a good performance,” said Federer. “I have played Stan many times and there are no real secrets out there.

“The start was crucial and it was maybe a battle for him to get used to the conditions after playing two matches at night.”

As for Berdych and Djokovic, who beat Federer at Wimbledon and the US Open respectively last year, he denied revenge was on the agenda.

“No, I am not like that.

“They are great players, they hit the ball hard. I lost to both guys last year but got them back at the end of the year.”

Federer added: “I think it was a good match for me really.

“I started off well, was able to serve and return really well.

“I expected him to serve bigger, because the ball travels faster through the air. For some reason I was able to return him well. On my own service games I was really good, too. I think that really set the tone for a good match for me.”

Federer felt for his compatriot who would have expected more having played so well earlier in the tournament.

“I play Stan obviously very different to what Roddick or Monfils or what other players might do against him,” he added.

“Clearly it’s not an easy match for him also.

“Then when the first set goes quick, maybe, he’s a bit under pressure there.

“He actually played a good second set. He had the first chance to make the break. He doesn’t make it and the next thing you know, I get it. It’s two sets to love.

“The scoreline suggests maybe it was easier than it looked like. I thought it was a pretty tough match.”

Wawrinka said: “Sure I am disappointed to lose but I think he just played too well.

“He always had the answer.”

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