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Melbourne. — Novak Djokovic said his sublime first two sets against Roger Federer were the best he’s ever played against the Swiss as he reached his sixth Australian Open tennis final in convincing fashion yesterday.

Serena Williams also underlined the difference in class and power between her and the rest of women’s field with a 6-0, 6-4 demolition of fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska yesterday to reach her seventh Australian Open final.

Every time the American has made the final at Melbourne Park she has gone on to win the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.

Victory in tomorrow’s final against either seventh seed Angelique Kerber of Germany would give her a 22nd Grand Slam title, moving her to a tie with Steffi Graf for the most in the Open era.

Meanwhile, men’s world number one Djokovic, now into his fifth straight Grand Slam final, was on a different level to the 17-time major winner in the opening two sets as he dished out a dominant, four-set semi-final victory.

The five-time winner maintained his hold over world number three Federer, winning 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in two hours, 19 minutes, and will face either Andy Murray or Milos Raonic in Sunday’s final.

It was the 45th meeting between two titans of the sport, with Djokovic now edging Federer 23-22 in their head-to-head duels.

“These first two sets have been probably the best two sets I’ve played against him overall throughout my career,” declared Djokovic.

“I’ve had some moments against him in sets where I’ve played on a high level, but this was, yeah, I think a different level than from before.

“I’m just very, very pleased that I was able to perform the way I did from the very beginning till the end.”

Djokovic, who was simply irresistible in cruising two sets up in 54 minutes, said he played “flawless” tennis.

“When you’re playing one of your top rivals, somebody of Roger’s resume, of course it requires a lot of focus, determination, and a different preparation for that match-up than most of the other matches,” he said.

“I played flawless tennis for first two sets, no doubt about it.”

Djokovic said he was now going to enjoy his two days off and prepare for his 19th Grand Slam final.

“I think it’s good for me at this stage. I’ve played a lot of tennis. Actually it’s going to serve me well for my recovery,” he said.

“Tomorrow’s match is going to be interesting to watch. Being in the final and watching the other semi-final, of course it’s quite a joyful feeling. Whoever wins I’m going to be ready for the great battle.”

Djokovic broke Federer’s serve five times, dropped his serve just once, won 115 points to 82 and hit 33 winners with only 20 unforced errors, while Federer committed 51 unforced errors.

The 10-time Grand Slam champion was in jaw-dropping form in the opening two sets, carving up Federer in their 15th Grand Slam encounter with his dazzling ground-strokes for the loss of only three games.

He broke Federer’s first service to 15 and then held his serve to lead 3-0, winning 12 of the first 14 points. — AFP.