Federer falls as Djokovic sails into final

Jan 25, 2008, 12:44 GMT

Serbia\'s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his semi-final match against Switzerland\'s Roger Federer at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 25 January, 2008. Djokovic won 7-5, 6-3 and 7-6. EPA/DENNIS M. SABANGAN

Melbourne - Novak Djokovic set up an unexpected Australian Open final with a shock 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) Friday upset of Roger Federer as the Serb spoiler battled into a showdown with Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the title.

The loss in just under two and a half hours was the first in straight sets for the mighty Swiss, holder of a dozen Grand Slam titles, since going out in the French Open second round in 2004 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to Gustavo Kuerten.

Djokovic will be playing in his second consecutive Grand Slam title match after losing to Federer at the US Open. Federer last lost in Melbourne in the 2005 semis to Marat Safin.

'It's just amazing,' said Djokovic, now 2-5 against the best in the game. 'It's an indescribable feeling. I beat one of the best this sport has seen in straight sets.

'I'm very, very proud of myself.'

Federer had not conceded a set to Djokovic in their previous two Slam meetings at the 2007 Australian Open and 2007 US Open.

But the top seed failed in a bid to reach a record 11th consecutive Grand Slam final as he allowed Djokovic a comeback in the first set which set the tone for the upset.

The 20-year-old world number three immediately took advantage of his golden opportunity against the off-colour three-time champion, securing the second set through two breaks.

Federer save a first set point in the ninth game with a down-the- line winner but couldn't touch a follow-up ace from Djokovic.

The third looked like desperate times, though Federer showed brief flashes of his trademark brilliance.

But a comeback from two-sets-to-love down for the first time since 2001 was not to be, with Djokovic taking the third set into a tiebreaker after saving three break points in the second game as Federer rallied.

Once into the decider, Federer lost a 3-1 lead, with a return long handing over a match point.

Djokovic converted as Federer netted a forehand for his 32nd unforced error of a long night.

The Serb struck 13 aces to Federer's ten and overcame six double- faults, finding 50 winners and breaking Federer four times.

Djokovic knew he did not have the pro-Federer crowd on his side: 'I want to thank the people in my box who supported me all the way through and all the Serbian fans in the stadium.

'I felt like I had two opponents tonight sometimes.

'It's very difficult to play against a player who is so confident on all surfaces.

'I'm amazed at the way I coped with the pressure. I played my best tennis at the important moments.'

Federer offered no excuses.

'A lot of ups and downs, like the usual matches we have against each other. I think he made the more important points today.

'It was a bit unfortunate for me, but he did play well and served really well when he had to.

'There's no doubt I've played better in my life, that's for sure. I've not been really serving like the way I wanted to in the last few matches.'

Federer was quick to accept the loss and move on.

'There's some sort of a disappointment. But from the spirit, the way I fought, the way I tried, it's all I could give.

'When you give a hundred per cent you're sort of happy with your performance. It can't always go your way. I know that.'