Brilliant Federer sweeps into Australian final

The world number one was at his brilliant best as he  outclassed his French opponent to wrap up a lop-sided victory in  under 90 minutes at Melbourne Park.

“I’m very happy. You’ve always got to deal with how your  opponent plays. Sometimes he plays like you want, sometimes  not,” a relaxed Federer said.

“It’s nice going through like this but I already know the  next match won’t be this way.”

Federer beat Murray in the 2008 U.S. Open final but the  Scotsman has been the form player over the past fortnight.  However Federer’s imperious display could give him a couple of  sleepless nights before Sunday’s final.

“I know he’d like to win the first for British tennis in…  what is it…like 150,000 years?” Federer joked in a courtside  interview.

“The poor guy has to go through those moments over and over  again. He’s done tremendously. We match up well. I’m looking  forward to the final.”

Federer has already won the Australian Open three times, in  2004, 2006 and 2007, and is now through to his fifth final after  losing an epic five-set clash with Rafa Nadal last year.

The Swiss is also through to his 22nd grand slam final, more  than any other man in history, and his eighth in a row. A  victory over Murray will provide the 28-year-old with his 16th  grand slam, extending yet another of his own records.

“I feel a need for myself that I spent three weeks here and  I don’t want to just give away a match,” Federer said.

“So I will make sure I will make it as hard, as tough as  possible for my opponent.”

Earlier, Serena Williams warmed up for her singles final  against Justine Henin today by teaming up with her sister  Venus Williams to successfully defend their doubles crown.

The Americans beat Zimbabwe’s Cara Black and American Liezel  Huber to claim their 11th grand slam doubles title.

“It always feels good to be that I’m gonna go home with at  least one title,” Serena said.