Wawrinka, Federer set up all-Swiss Australian Open semifinal showdown

There has been an unusual amount of carnage in the men’s singles Australian Open draw, but two familiar faces have advanced to the top-half semifinal. And they are especially familiar to each other.

It will be Roger Federer vs. Stan Wawrinka on Thursday after the two Swiss stars won their respective quarterfinal clashes on Tuesday. Wawrinka took care of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-3 before Federer also got the job done in straight sets, ending Mischa Zverev’s run 6-1, 7-5, 6-2.

The only tense moments of Thursday’s first quarterfinal came in the opening set, which not only required a tiebreaker but also saw Wawrinka and Tsonga exchange words during a changeover. Melbourne’s No. 4 seed and 2014 champion took complete control after dominating the ‘breaker seven points to two.

“I think today was my best match of the tournament,” Wawrinka assessed. “Great focus all the match. I found a way to break him few times, also. I’m really happy–really happy to get in semifinal again. It’s a great result. I’ll enjoy tonight and get ready for the next one.”

Wawrinka-Tsonga highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXqh5geCsF8

Federer made similarly quick work of his quarterfinal clash–one hour and 32 minutes to be exact. The 35-year-old finished with 65 winners (nine of which were aces) and just 13 unforced errors.

“I’m pleased with the way I started the match,” Federer reflected. “Second set was definitely a key to shut it down. It was good that I was able to break back after he played a good game there. Then in the third set I think I was rolling. It was a nice match; I think I played great. Mischa had a wonderful tournament, so well done to him.”

Federer’s tournament will continue with a 22nd career showdown against Wawrinka.

“I think [Stan] and Rafa know my game (better than anyone else),” Federer added. “Stan and I practiced so much together. With Rafa, I only practiced once in my life, whereas with Stan, I can’t even keep count anymore. Yeah, I guess those two guys know me very well.”

Federer-Zverev highlights:

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