Tennis: Djokovic sets up semi with Federer

Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a backhand in his quarterfinal match against Tomas Berdych. Photo / Getty Images

Serbian star Novak Djokovic will seek to upstage Swiss great Roger Federer in a grand slam semi-final for the third time in his career after a straight sets win over Czech Tomas Berdych.

Djokovic, the world No.3, fought off mid-match eye trouble to down hard-hitting 2010 Wimbledon finalist Berdych 6-1 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 in their Australian Open quarter-final on Tuesday night.

It puts the 23-year-old into his second Australian Open semi-final, after he fell at the quarter-final stage the last two years.

In 2008, Melbourne Park was the scene of what is so far Djokovic's sole grand slam crown, when he downed Federer in straights sets in the semi-finals before defeating Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final.

It was one of only two grand slams among the past 22 not won by either Federer or world No.1 Rafael Nadal, the other being the 2009 US Open, won by Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro.

Djokovic also ousted Federer at the semi-final stage of last year's US Open, saving two match points en route to an epic five-set victory.

Tuesday night's meeting with Berdych was much more straightforward, with Djokovic's vision problems posing as much of an obstacle as his Czech opponent.

Djokovic cruised through the first set, rarely making an error as he ran Berdych around the court to reel off the last five games.

But early in the second set the match took a turn, as the Serb started to frequently shake his head, blink and point to his eyes.

Berdych seized his chance, capitalising on his first break points of the match to climb to a 4-1 lead.

But some strong resolve from Djokovic - and some eye drops - helped him break back to force a tiebreaker, which he won with the help of unforced errors on the final two points from the Czech.

Djokovic returned to his absolute best in the third set, ensuring he will take momentum and confidence into his clash with Federer.

Earlier, Federer blew away 19th seed and fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 6-1 6-3 6-3.

Wawrinka had not dropped a set in the tournament before their clash, but Federer, playing in a record-equalling 27th consecutive grand slam quarter-final, had all the answers.

"The scoreline suggests maybe it was easier than it looked like," Federer said.

"I thought it was a pretty tough match."

Asked if he felt ready to win the tournament, Djokovic said he could not look past Federer.

"I'm taking it one match at a time. If I can play like this, and I'm playing well, I have a good chance," he said.

"We all know I'm playing Federer and he's the best player ever so it's going to be tough."

Djokovic said in the second set he had issues with his contact lenses drying out.

But he said being able to fight back and clinch that set made a big difference to his mindset.

"It was a huge confidence-booster winning that second set. You are getting ready at this stage of the tournament to play long five-set matches.

"When I had that two-set advantage I relaxed a little bit and could go for my shots."

- AAP