Former champion Novak Djokovic cruised through to the semi-finals of the Australian Open after a routine win over Tomas Berdych.
Third seed sets up semi-final meeting with Federer
Former champion Novak Djokovic cruised through to the semi-finals of the Australian Open after a straight-sets win over Tomas Berdych.
The third seed needed a little over two and a half hours to record a 6-1 7-6 6-1 victory over his Czech opponent.
Djokovic has now set up an intriguing clash with second seed and reigning champion Roger Federer in the last four in Melbourne.
"In a lot of the points I was trying to change the pace because when he is in his comfort zone he is a very dangerous player," Djokovic said.
"The second set was very close and I was very lucky to win the breaker. It was a huge confidence boost to win that set and it meant I could go for my shots.
Good chance
"I am taking one match at a time but if I continue playing like this I have a good chance. But in my next match I have Federer - he is the best player there has ever been - so we will see."
The Serbian, who won the tournament three years ago, made a quick start as he broke Berdych's serve in a marathon fourth game of the first set.
Berdych dropped serve again in the sixth game, leaving Djokovic to easily take the set, but the sixth seed hit back in the second by claiming an early break.
But with the Czech in a 4-1 lead, Djokovic recovered to level matters and, after the roof on Rod Laver Arena was closed due to the threat of showers, the set went to a tie-break.
Each player secured a mini-break before world number three Djokovic took his chance on set point to strike a decisive blow in the contest.
With the momentum firmly with him, Djokovic raced away in the third set as he grabbed two more breaks of serve in the process of sealing a straightforward win.
