Tennis: Hewitt through to Australian Open final

MELBOURNE - Lleyton Hewitt will meet Russian Marat Safin in Sunday's Australian Open final after beating second-seeded American Andy Roddick in four sets at Melbourne Park tonight.

The world No3 won 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 in a semi-final lasting two hours, 54 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to become the first Australian since Pat Cash in 1988 to reach the final of his home grand slam.

Safin, the tournament's fourth seed and two-time Open runner-up, last night upset world No.1 and defending champion Roger Federer 5-7 6-4 5-7 7-6 (8-6) 9-7 in the first semi-final.

- AAP