Roger Federer held firm against a furious fightback from fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka, edging his former apprentice 7-5 6-3 1-6 4-6 6-3 in a Melbourne Park classic to reach the final of the Australian Open on Thursday.
Switzerland's Roger Federer hits a shot during his men's singles semi-final match against fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka (below) at the Australian Open in Melbourne on January 26, 2017. /Reuters Photo
On the same day the Williams sisters booked their place in the women's final, 35-year-old Federer continued the march of the veterans, becoming the oldest man to reach a grand slam final in nearly 40 years.
The Swiss master was rattled as fourth seed Wawrinka rose up to level the match but his opponent double-faulted to hand Federer the decisive break in the sixth game.
Spectators show their support in the semifinal match between Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka, both from Switzerland, at the Australian Open in Melbourne on January 26, 2017. /CFP Photo
Federer (R) embraces Wawrinka after winning his singles semi-final at the Australian Open in Melbourne on January 26, 2017. /Reuters Photo
Federer served out the match to love, setting up a chance for his 18th grand slam title against Rafa Nadal or Grigor Dimitrov on Sunday.
(Source: Reuters)
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