Melbourne - Roger Federer fended off a withering challenge from Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to prevail 7-6 4-6 7-6 3-6 6-3 in Rod Laver Arena and reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Wednesday.
Seventh seed Tsonga unleashed a barrage of brilliant shot-making to level the match at two sets apiece but the Swiss maestro was composure personified as he captured the decisive break at 2-1 in the fifth.
Battling for survival, Tsonga saved four match points when serving to stay in the match, but Federer closed out the match on the fifth with an overhead smash, qualifying for his 10th straight semi-final at Melbourne Park.
Federer will play Andy Murray for a place in the final as he continues his bid for an 18th grand slam title and fifth at Melbourne Park. – Reuters