Brilliant Federer sweeps into final

Roger Federer provided a masterful demonstration of his incredible talent and hunger to win to overwhelm Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2 6-3 6-2 yesterday and join Andy Murray in the final of the Australian Open.

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

Murray has been the form player over the past fortnight but Federer's imperious display will give the Scotsman a couple of sleepless nights before tomorrow's final.

"I know he'd like to win the first for British tennis in... what is it... like 150,000 years?" Federer joked.

"The poor guy has to go through those moments over and over again. 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 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 record he holds.

Federer shows no sign of slowing down despite his haul of major trophies. He broke Tsonga's erratic serve once to win the opening set then twice more in each of the next two while comfortably holding each of his service games.

Tsonga, who reached the Australian Open final two years ago, did not get a single break point on the Swiss master's serve.

"I'm very happy. You've always got to deal with how your opponent plays. Sometimes he plays like you want, sometimes not," Federer said.

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 6-4 6-3 to claim their 11th grand slam doubles title.

"It always feels good to be that I'm going to go home with at least one title," Serena said.

Nadal sidelined

Nadal will be out of action for two weeks because of a minor tear to a tendon in his right knee, doctor Angel Ruiz Cotorro said yesterday after completing a scan on the player in Barcelona.

The injury forced the 23-year-old to retire from his quarter-final against Murray on Tuesday.