Federer Set for Australian Open Clash in Semis With Murray
Roger Federer defeated a very tough Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3 to reach the Australian Open semifinals for a 10th consecutive year. The 17-time Grand Slam champion will next play U.S. Open winner Andy Murray, who advanced in straight sets over the unseeded Jeremy Chardy of France.
Federer hadn’t dropped a service game in his first four rounds, but Tsonga ended that streak by breaking him the sixth game. Federer was narrowly in front for most of the match, but Tsonga stayed in touch with some powerful groundstrokes and a big serve. After being forced into a deciding fifth set, Federer broke Tsonga in the fourth game and, after wasting four match points in ninth, served it out three hours and 34 minutes.
"It was a tough close for sure, but the whole match was tough. Any set could have gone any way," said Federer. "I feel a bit lucky obviously to come through … but it was great pleasure to play Jo because he played great too.
U.S. Open champion Andy Murray has reached the Australian Open semifinals after a 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 win over unseeded Jeremy Chardy of France. Murray had his service broken for only the second time while serving for the match. But he broke back in the next game to clinch a quarterfinal victory. Murray, who ended a 76-year winless streak by British men in majors by winning the U.S. Open last year.
Defending Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic plays the number four seeded David Ferrer in the other semifinal.
