Sublime Novak Djokovic ends Roger Federer resistance to storm into final

The world number one and defending champion threatened to blow Federer away with some miraculous play in the opening two sets of the semi-final as he silenced the pro-Federer crowd on Rod Laver with some bewitching dominance from deep.

Djokovic's play was so sharp and cutting it had to be seen to be believed as he broke three times almost at will in the first two sets, even if it was perhaps helped along by the 17-time Grand Slam winner's somewhat odd reluctance to come to net.

Federer, still a magnificent world number three at the age of 34, looked in a state of shock in falling so badly behind so early on, but somehow rallied in the third set to force the match to a fourth before Djokovic pounced on his first break point opportunity at 30-40 on a faltering Federer serve for a 5-3 lead.

Amid mostly silence or groans, a crushing return landed at his opponent's feet as the Serbian player punched the air realising the match was finally in his hands.

A love service game in the ninth game of the fourth helped Djokovic into the final of a tournament he has already won five times in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015.

If Djokovic wins Sunday's final against world number two Andy Murray or 13th seed Milos Raonic, he will equal the all-time record set by Australian Roy Emerson in the 1960s.

Djokovic moves 23-22 clear of Federer in head-to-head meetings following wins over his great rival in the Wimbledon and US Open finals last season. The last of Federer's four victories at Melbourne Park was back in 2010.

"I had a two-set lead which was comforting, but it was a battle in the end.

"I had a really tough (five-set) match against (Gilles) Simon which went to five sets. It made me think how I could get better. I always tend to have five-set matches in the Grand Slams."

He added: "Roger and Rafa (Nadal) have contributed a lot to my success. They have made me a better player. Right now I feel I am in the peak of my career."

Greg Rusedski and Virginia Wade questioned Roger Federer's tactics but conceded that Novak Djokovic was on another level.