Serbia's Novak Djokovic Thrashes Federer In Straight Sets

Serbia's Novak Djokovic humbled world number one Roger Federer in straight sets to reach the final of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Friday.

Third seed Djokovic won 7-5 6-3 7-6 to end Federer's hopes of a fourth Australian Open title and his run of 10 straight grand slam final appearances.

Djokovic will play unseeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in Sunday's final as both men seek their first grand slam title.

"It's amazing, an indescribable feeling to beat the number one player of the world, probably one of the best players this sport has ever had, in straight sets," Djokovic said.

"I'm very, very proud of myself.

"It's very difficult to play against a player who is so dominant on any surface and he's been so successful for the past couple of years.

"I'm just so amazed at how well I coped with the pressure, in the most important moments I played my best tennis."

The 20-year-old Djokovic has been threatening a breakthrough for some time but few could have predicted the manner of his victory against the top seed who was chasing his 13th grand slam crown.

Federer looked to be on course for the first set as he broke to lead 5-3, but Djokovic immediately broke back and a further break saw him take the opener on his first set point after 45 minutes.

Federer, taken to five sets earlier in the tournament by another Serbian Janko Tipsarevic, was visibly rattled and lost his service again early in the second.

A further break saw Djokovic lead 5-1 but in the first signs of a Federer fightback saw his own delivery broken.

But Djokovic held his nerve to serve out for a two sets to love lead, wrapping it up with an ace.

Federer kept up the pressure in the third set and had four set points on the Djokovic service as he led 6-5.

But the young pretender boldly saved them all to force a decisive tiebreak which he took on his first matchpoint as the Swiss tamely netted a forehand.

"I think he made the more important points today, it was a bit unfortunate for me," Federer said. "It depends a lot on day form, you can't always play your best. There is no doubt I have played better before.

"I've created a monster that I need to win every tournament -- still the semifinals isn't bad." (CNN)
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