Australian Open: Can Roger Federer go past Stanislas Wawrinka in semifinal clash?

Federer celebrates after defeating Zverev in Melbourne yesterday. Pic/AP, AFP

Melbourne: Roger Federer is just one step away from his first Grand Slam final in 18 months yesterday after he demolished giant-killer Mischa Zverev to set up an Australian Open semi-final with Stan Wawrinka.

Federer, 35 and considered past his prime after an injury-ruined 2016, rolled back the years with a masterful 6-1, 7-5, 6-2 win in just 92 minutes on Rod Laver Arena. The four-time champion will next take on his Swiss Davis Cup teammate and World No. 4 Wawrinka in what promises to be an enthralling semi-final showdown.

Five and counting
Federer, to his surprise, has now won five matches in his comeback from a six-month injury break, with hopes rising of a record-extending 18th Grand Slam title in Melbourne. "I felt I was always going to be dangerous on any given day in a match situation. But obviously as the tournament would progress, maybe I would fade away with energy," Federer said. "Now that I'm in the semis, I'm feeling as good and playing well, this is a huge surprise to me. If someone would have told me I'd play in the semis against Stan, never would I have called that one for me. For Stan, yes, but not for me," he added.

It will be the Swiss legend's record 13th Australian semi-final appearance and 41st Grand Slam semi-final. It was a dominant performance from Federer, hitting 65 winners to just 13 unforced errors and breaking left-hander Zverev's serve six times. "I think it definitely went as good as it possibly could have gone," Federer said.

Wawrinka Pic/AP, AFP

Stan ready for battle
Wawrinka feels he is ready to emerge from the shadow of the great Federer and make his own statement in their semi-final showdown. The big-hitting Wawrinka mastered former finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets to reach his third Australian Open semi-final. The World No. 4 won 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 6-3. "Yeah, for sure now I'm more confident with myself. When I step on the court, doesn't matter who I play, I know what I have to do if I want to win," Wawrinka said.