New Delhi: Defending champion Novak Djokovic defeated third seed Roger Federer in straight sets in the men's singles semifinals to secure a berth into the finals of the Australian Open being played at  Melbourne.


The defending champion won the high profile semifinal encounter fending off a strong challenge from his Swiss rival with the scoreline reading 7-6,6-4 and 6-3. While Federer gave the Serbian a tough challenge to the Serb in the opening two sets, the second seed stepped up his game to another level to clinch the third set with relative ease.


The 7 time Australian Open champion will play the winner of the second semifinals to be contested between Dominic Theim and Alexander Zverev. Djokovic is one win away from winning a record extending 8th Australian Open title, his hegemony in the Grand Slam of the Asia Pacific.

Djokovic improved his head to head against Federer with his 27th win against the Swiss great in 50 encounters between them on the tour.