Federer blasts Roddick off court

Roger Federer moved one win away from a record-equalling 14th grand slam title yesterday, blasting Andy Roddick off court as Melbourne swelters through a once-in-a-century heatwave.

Cool and collected as all around him wilts, the Swiss maestro notched up his 16th victory over the American 6-2 7-5 7-5 to reach his fourth final in Melbourne.

Earlier Serena Williams also reached her fourth Australian Open final, slamming the brakes on Elena Dementieva's 15-match winning streak. She faces Dinara Safina in tomorrow's final.

Federer set up Sunday's showdown against either top seed Rafa Nadal or Fernando Verdasco with a sublime performance under the stars.

Organisers opened the centre court roof for the night session, having closed it during the day to fend off the sun which had been turning the arena into a cauldron.

Federer put on a masterclass of power and precision tennis to reach his 18th grand slam final, one short of Ivan Lendl's record.

"Look, if I am completely honest, you dream of playing the big tournaments, your dream is to win Wimbledon and then if number one comes around it's too good to be true. But to dominate to this extent I guess I am living the dream."

Williams was also in dreamland after sweeping aside Dementieva, although she was in no doubt that she could improve.

"A perfect match for me? Oh, no, no, no. But it was definitely better," the American second seed smiled after her 6-3 6-4 win.

Another Russian stands between Williams and a fourth title at Melbourne Park after Safina ousted Vera Zvonareva 6-3 7-6.

Fourth seed Dementieva had not lost on court this year but was no match for Williams.

"I definitely served better," Williams said.

"It's so important to serve well against her. She's a really good returner. I moved better and I was definitely more consistent and I kept my cool."

Victory over Safina in tomorrow's final will vault Williams back to world number one but the ranking is secondary to her.

"That would be just a bonus," she said. "But my goal isn't to be number one, my goal is to win one more match here at the Australian Open."

Williams has nine grand slam singles titles to her name and is desperate to hit double figures.

"I have to go one more. Obviously, I would love to leave a mark and do well but most of all enjoy myself and do the best that I can do," she said.

"Safina's playing well. She seems to never die. So she's going to be a tough opponent."

Safina will be bidding to join big brother Marat Safin as an Australian Open champion and a world number one, a ranking she will attain if she beats Williams.

Yesterday, she also snapped a three-match losing streak against her opponent to advance to her second grand slam final after last year's French Open.

"Since I was growing up it has been my dream one day to be number one," Safina said in a courtside interview.

"To play against Serena and to fight for the number one is just going to be unbelievable.

"I watched my brother on TV winning this tournament and even when I watch it now I have tears in my eyes," Safina said of Marat's 2005 feat.