Federer crashes out of Australian Open

Federer's hopes of a third consecutive win in Melbourne were dashed Reuters

Rising Serb star Novak Djokovic has beaten world tennis number one Roger Federer in straight sets in the semi-final of the Australian Open.

Federer was unable to turn the tide after number three seed Djokovic won the first set 7-5. The Serb will face France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final on Sunday.

Djokovic went on to take the second set 6-3 and the third 7-6, dashing the Swiss master’s hopes of becoming four-time champion of the Open. The match lasted just under two and a half hours.

Federer had previously held a 5-1 lead in head-to-head clashes with Djokovic – the most recent victory coming in the 2007 US Open final.

The Swiss has played eight previous Australian Opens, winning the title in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

“I think he made the more important points today, it was a bit unfortunate for me. You can’t always play your best. There is no doubt I have played better before,” he said.

“I’ve created a monster that I need to win every tournament – still the semifinals isn’t bad.”

The Swiss has played eight previous Australian Opens, winning the title in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

French Open

It is Federer’s first straight sets loss in a grand slam tournament since a third round loss at the 2004 French Open. The result brings to an abrupt end his streak of ten straight grand slam finals.

Federer had been in good form after a stomach ailment interrupted his pre-tournament preparations. He dominated James Blake in the quarterfinals and appeared to be peaking at the right time.

Djokovic previously beat Spain’s David Ferrer in the men’s quarterfinal in three easy sets, 6-0, 6-3, 7-5. The 20-year-old Serb, who was participating in his fourth Australian Open, reached the fourth round last year.

On Thursday, Federer’s main rival, Spaniard Rafael Nadal, lost his semifinal match against France’s Tsonga 2-6, 3-6, 2-6.

Unseeded Tsonga smashed 17 aces against one of the best serve returners in the game.

swissinfo with agencies

Key facts

Final score 7-5 6-3 7-6 (7-5).
Djokovic won 118 points to Federer’s 104.
There were six breaks of serve, four to Djokovic, two to Federer.
Federer hit 38 winners, Djokovic 50.
Each player made 32 unforced errors.
There were 23 aces, 13 to Djokovic, 10 to Federer.