TENNIS: Roger Federer is just one win away from equalling Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam singles titles after dismissing Andy Roddick to reach the Australian Open semi-final today. Roddick put up a good fight, producing some of his best tennis, but Federer was a class apart and secured a 6-2 7-5 7-5 win.
He will now face either Rafael Nadal or Fernando Verdasco in Sunday's final in Melbourne.
Federer held serve throughout the encounter and seemed able to raise his level at just the right time to slap down Roddick's challenge.
Roddick came into the clash having lost to Federer in 15 of their 17 previous meetings so knew he had to produce something special to reach his first Australian Open final.
He had won their last encounter - in Miami last year - but things did not start well for the seventh seed on this occasion.
Federer made his customary fast start, breaking Roddick's serve in the third game. The American was soon a double break down and vented his frustration during an argument with the umpire.
Roddick seemed determined to attack the net whenever possible, but his volleying did not appear to be up to scratch, while Federer often came up with a pass.
The Swiss maestro was soon a set to the good, but Roddick was keen not to go down without a fight and his level improved in the second set.
Undoubtedly fitter under new coach Larry Stefanki, his serve began to cause Federer more problems and he dug in to keep the set on serve.
However, when the set reached its business end, Federer pounced.
Roddick was broken to love in the 11th game and Federer easily served out for a two-set lead.
As the American sat down he must have wondered what he had to do. The statistics showed he had got 70 per cent of his first serves in, yet he was still two sets down and being out-aced by the second seed.
As the third set progressed on serve, the quality rose again and the crowd on the Rod Laver Arena - roof open - clearly wanted another set.
However, the pattern of the second set was repeated - Federer striking at just the right time.
Roddick saved three break points at 5-5 but not a fourth and moments later Federer was celebrating victory thanks to a sumptuous forehand winner down the line.