Andy Murray became the first Briton to reach three Australian Open finals after ending his grand slam hoodoo against Roger Federer in a five-set thriller.
Murray had never beaten the Swiss at a major but was a deserved 6-4 6-7 (5/7) 6-3 6-7 (2/7) 6-2 winner as he moved into Sunday’s title decider against Novak Djokovic.
The Scot missed the chance to serve out the match in the fourth set at 6-5, but responded superbly in the decider to set up a rematch with Djokovic, who he beat to win the US Open in September.
“It’s always tough against Roger,” Murray said. “I think the slams are where he plays his best tennis.
“When his back was against the wall at 6-5 he played some unbelievable tennis. He missed some shots at the start of the fifth and I just stuck in there.”
As for the meeting with Djokovic, who thrashed David Ferrer in last night’s semi, he added: “I didn’t see much of his game although I heard about it. I heard he played very well.