Djokovic keeps focus to set up Federer semi-final

29 January 2020 12:07 am

Rampant defending champion Novak Djokovic powered past Milos Raonic to set a blockbuster Australian Open semi-final against Roger Federer yesterday after the Swiss ace saved an incredible seven match points in one of his greatest escapes.   

The Serbian world number two, despite trouble with his contact lenses, tamed the big-serving Canadian 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) as he targets an eighth Melbourne Park crown and 17th Grand Slam title.   

Six-time champion Federer is next, after one of his most memorable comebacks against unseeded American Tennys Sandgren.   

The 38-year-old great, the oldest man to reach the Melbourne semis since Ken Rosewall 43 years ago, came through an action-packed clash 6-3, 2-6, 2-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-3.   
He fended off seven match points and was slapped with a warning for swearing, while taking a rare medical timeout for a groin injury that hampered his movement.   
But he dug deep to set up yet another showdown with his old rival Djokovic. The pair are all-conquering in Melbourne, sharing 12 of the last 14 titles between them.   
They have played each other 49 times, with the Serb in front 26-23.