Defending champion Novak Djokovic Sets Up Federer Showdown

MELBOURNE: Defending champion Novak Djokovic set up an Australian Open semi-final against Roger Federer after producing another clinical performance to beat Canadian 32nd seed Milos Raonic. Djokovic dismantled Raonic's potent serve to win 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7-1) despite an eye problem late in the third set. The Serb second seed, who is aiming for a record-extending eighth title, has lost just one set in Melbourne so far. Djokovic, 32, will meet Swiss third seed Federer in Thursday's semi-final. It is the pair's first meeting at the Australian Open since Djokovic beat 38-year-old Federer in their 2016 semi-final.

"He is one of the all-time greats and the match-ups against Roger and Rafa have made me the player I am today," said Djokovic.

"I hope I can get just one match point against him. Let the better player win."

Djokovic, a 16-time Grand Slam champion, has been in fine fettle as he looks to move closer to Federer's all-time record of 20 major triumphs with another victory in Melbourne. On a court where he has produced some of the finest performances of his career, the Serb continues to show why he is widely considered as the man to beat. Agencies

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