Federer clinches final place

Roger Federer stayed on course for his second Australian Open crown and seventh grand slam triumph with a four-set victory over Nicolas Kiefer in today’s semi-final.

Top seed Federer, the 2004 winner, had a minor hiccup in the second set but breezed past his Germany opponent after for a 6-3 5-7 6-0 6-2 win.

Next up for the Swiss ace is a match against surprise package Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus, a player he beat in the fourth round in Melbourne last year.