From the baseline: Australia Open day nine

Roger Federer will face Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. Photo / Getty Images

Hero of the day: Roger Federer. After some stuttering through the early rounds, where he looked quite mortal, the Swiss magician was back to his best as he destroyed compatriot Wawrinka in a clinical but brilliant display. His comment afterwards - "I play Stan obviously very different to what Roddick or Monfils or what other players might do against him. I have the experience and I have the game to be tricky for him." - was telling.

Villain of the day: Tomas Berdych. Harsh call, but the Czech misfired badly on the biggest stage, sending shots metres wide on crucial points and blowing a big second set lead. However, in his defence Djokovic was at his imperious best and will test Federer on Thursday.

Match of the day: The Federer-Wawrinka clash had some serious touches of quality but for pure drama it was hard to go past the match between Caroline Wozniacki and Francesca Schiavone. The Danish number one, showed real mettle to get out of trouble - and then a sense of humour to bring a huge inflatable Kangaroo into the subsequent press conference.

Shot of the day: There are drop shots and then there are droop shots. Federer came up with an absolutely perfect floater in the second set that just nipped over the net and Wawrinka would have be lucky to make it on the second or third bounce.

Quote of the day: "I give them away cause my friends all want them. I might take one, if that." - Roger Federer when asked what he does with the free towels that he takes off centrecourt after every match.

Stat of the day: Wozniacki 14 winners, Schiavone 41. Wozniacki 15 unforced errors, Schiavone 46 unforced errors. Wozniacki's defensive approach was enough today but she will have to more aggressive come the final.

Foodwatch: 5pm feed was sensational today with prawn and potato balls and chicken wraps. Indulged in some homemade yoghurt later ($4.50), a chicken ranch burger ($7.70) and a mixed fruit salad ($4.50).

- Herald on Sunday