
Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating Roger Federer in the Australian Open semifinals.

Federer had been hoping to reach his first final in Melbourne since 2010, when he won the season's opening grand slam for the fourth time.

Djokovic made a lightning start to the match and triumphed 6-1 6-2 3-6 6-3 to become the first man in the Open Era to reach six Australian Open finals -- the Serb has won his previous five.

Federer won the last of his record 17 grand slam titles in 2012.

Watched in Melbourne by his wife Mirka (bottom right), the Swiss great was also beaten by Djokovic in the final of the previous two grand slams, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, plus the season-ending ATP championships.

The 34-year-old remains arguably the most popular player on the men's tour.