Novak Djokovic ousts Roger Federer to reach Australian Open final

Author of “The Devil Wears Pinstripes” and victor of a Sports Emmy. Federer pulled one game back at 3-1 but it failed to halt any momentum as the Serb roared back with a thumping forehand to take the fifth game.

Two points later, however, Federer was broken for the final time and that was essentially it. Even some in the media section applauded him.

File image of Novak Djokovic.

Defending champion Djokovic was in ruthless form on Rod Laver Arena on Thursday, storming to a 2-0 lead against the Swiss. “It is an incredible run”.

Asked after she beat Johanna Konta in the semifinals if she would seek out Graf’s advice, Kerber laughed and said, “Steffi, write me please”.

Djokovic, at 28, continues to magnify his chances of being included in the conversation as one of the greatest players. Of course, I’ve been through those moments. I’ve been working very hard in the last few years. I want to relive it again.

Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after defeating Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016. He didn’t get another return back in play in the game. You can buy shirts with his RF logo in the Australian Open merchandise shop, and fans can be seen wearing that logo all over the grounds.

But Federer couldn’t convert and paid the price as Djokovic, after benefiting from a fortuitous net-cord victor, broke the Swiss for a decisive 5-3 advantage before closing out his 34th win from his past 35 grand slam encounters.

It took many years to catch them but Novak Djokovic has finally overtaken the two greatest players of his generation.

If Williams wins Saturday’s final against No. 7-seeded Angelique Kerber, she’ll equal Steffi Graf’s record of 22 Grand Slam singles title, a record in the Open era, and the second-most in history behind Margaret Court’s 24.

Djokovic, who won three of four Grand Slams in 2015, held serve throughout the fourth, broke Federer late and closed out the match. He knows anything less than that against Federer won’t be good enough. Don’t rule it out.

“Hopefully I can keep going”.

And oh, what a level he played at against Federer. The top-seeded Djokovic saved the first three break points he faced, but Federer converted on the fourth.

“Roger is playing really terrific tennis”, Djokovic said after beating Nishikori.

“I played unbelievably in the first two sets but that’s what’s necessary against Roger”, Djokovic said.

Only once in 16 previous attempts had Federer beaten Djokovic after conceding the opening set.

They were both on court for a little over two hours yesterday.

Djokovic says he understands the Fed love.

“Physically I’m feeling a lot better, mentally I needed that break after the Open”, she said, but “I didn’t think I would do this well this fast”. “I’m just very, very pleased that I was able to perform the way I did from the very beginning ’til the end”.