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Roger Federer hits top form to reach Brisbane International final

Federer was pleased with his display against Dominic Thiem
Image: Federer was pleased with his display against Dominic Thiem

Defending champion Roger Federer is through to the final of the Brisbane International for the third year in a row after producing a masterful display to beat rising star Dominic Thiem 6-1 6-4 in just 60 minutes.

Federer will now take on big-serving Milos Raonic in a rematch of the 2015 final after the Canadian beat home hope Bernard Tomic 7-6 7-6 in a semi which did not feature a single break of serve.

Swiss great Federer is chasing the 89th ATP title of his remarkable career and flew out of the blocks, racing into a 5-0 lead, before closing out set one in just 22 minutes.

Thiem, who is the youngest player in the world's top 20, was much-improved in the second set, and the Austrian produced some impressive backhand winners.

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But the 22-year-old dropped his serve in the seventh game and Federer, who was rock-solid on his own delivery throughout, went on to close out the match, sending down an ace on his second match point.

"I really thought I hit the ball very well," said Federer. "I'm very excited to be back in the final again. It's a great start to the season and I'm very happy.

"I'm getting used to conditions, which is usually the case after a couple of matches.

"You understand the speeds more and you're more comfortable. Plus, I'm definitely also feeling a bit better now.

"I was very pleased with how I played. I think it was the best match of the week so far, or most consistent maybe."

Raonic of Canada plays a forehand during his semi-final win over Tomic
Image: Raonic plays a forehand during his semi-final win over Tomic

Raonic earlier booked his return trip to the final by winning a pair of tie-breaks 7-5 against Raonic.

The Canadian jumped out to early leads in both of the breakers but Tomic came from 5-1 down to level at 5-5 in the second set decider.

However, Raonic set up match point with a forehand winner down the line and then clinched victory with a lunging backhand volley.

"It was a great match today, a difficult one against Bernie," said Raonic. He's been playing so well, I know he's going to do great things this year."

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