The winners of the last five Australian Open meet in the first men's singles semifinal on Thursday, as Novak Djokovic takes on Roger Federer at the Rod Laver Arena.
With the exception of Stan Wawrinka's triumph in 2014, no player other than the Djokovic and Federer has won the Australian Open since Rafael Nadal won the tournament for the first—and so far only—time in his career in 2009.
Djokovic and Federer share a total of 38 Grand Slam titles together and have met 49 times, with the Serb winning on 26 occasions and the Swiss prevailing 23 times. The former has won three of the four previous meetings at the Australian Open and leads the all-time series on hard court between the two 19-18.
The current world No. 2 has defeated Federer in the last five Grand Slam meetings between the two, with the Swiss' last win in a major tournament coming in the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2012.
Djokovic moved a step closer towards defending his title as he dismantled No. 32 Milos Raonic 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7-1), remaining on a track for a record eighth title at Melbourne Park.
The Serb hasn't met Federer at the Australian Open since he defeated the Swiss in the semifinal in 2016, but he is relishing the prospect of facing the 20-time Grand Slam champion again.
"He is one of the all-time greats and the match-ups against Roger and Rafa have made me the player I am today," Djokovic said.
"I hope I can get just one match point against him. Let the better player win."
Federer's progress to the semifinal was far more complicated than Djokovic's as he had to save seven match points to overcome unseeded American Tennys Sandgren.
The world No. 3 kept his hopes of a record-equalling seventh Australian Open title alive with a 6-3, 2-6, 2-6, 7- (10-8), 6-3 win in just over three and-a-half hours.
Federer has now played two five-set matches in five days after going the distance to defeat John Millman in the third round. However, the Swiss insisted any tiredness would be offset by a growing belief he can win a third Australian Open title in four years.
"If I can get through a match like this, through a match like [the one against] Millman, you do believe," he said when asked of his chances of reaching the final.
"I only believe it's over once I shake the hand of the opponent."
Here's all you need about the first men's semifinal.
Semifinals start time
The semifinal between Djokovic and Federer get underway at 7:30 p.m. local time on Thursday.
However, because of the 16-hour difference between Melbourne and the east coast of the U.S., the match get underway at 3:30 a.m. ET on Thursday morning.
TV channel
Coverage on ESPN begins at 3:30 a.m. on Thursday and runs until 6 a.m. ET.
A replay will be available on ESPN2 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Live stream
Fans can watch the action online via the WatchESPN app and on ESPN.com.
Australian Open odds
According to Oddschecker, Novak Djokovic is a 3/20 favorite to win on Thursday, while Federer is a 6/1 outsider.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Dan Cancian is currently a reporter for Newsweek based in London, England. Prior to joining Newsweek in January 2018, he ... Read more
