Serb world number one Novak Djokovic dominated Canada's Milos Raonic in straight sets to claim his fifth Australian Open semi-final on Wednesday.
The top seed was in dazzling form in dishing out a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 6-2 hammering of the world number eight in two hours and will face defending champion Stan Wawrinka for a place in Sunday's final.
Swiss fourth seed Wawrinka upset Djokovic in last year's quarter-finals on the way to winning the Australian Open for his first major title.
This year Djokovic looks the player to beat and was in outstanding touch on Rod Laver Arena, hitting 33 winners and just 17 unforced errors, with three service breaks and winning 89 percent of his first serves.
It will be his 25th Grand Slam semi-final on Friday.
Raonic, one of the biggest servers in men's tennis, could not get one break point on Djokovic's serve, with the Serb now dropping only one service game in the tournament.
"I take a lot of confidence and I try to carry that in every match. Stan and I played five-set matches in the last two Australian Opens," Djokovic said.
"I'm going to be ready for a fight. But knowing that I have raised the level of performance tonight, and probably playing the best match of the tournament so far is affecting my confidence in a positive way.
"Hopefully I can carry that into next one. I served very well and overall it was a great match against one of the up and coming rising stars."
Djokovic said he felt supremely confident about his game heading into the business end of the tournament.
"Tonight there was not much I could complain about. From the first game till the last I played the way I wanted. I created a lot of break point opportunities," he said.
"The key of tonight's match was to get as many balls back in play. I executed very, very well. It's easier said than done, but I feel very good about my game in this moment."
Raonic has yet to beat the world number one in five encounters and went into the match with the most aces in the tournament, but could only manage 15, well down on the 25 he had been averaging in his earlier four matches.
Djokovic, who is chasing a fifth Australian title and eighth Grand Slam, had few problems with the big-serving Canadian and had break points in two service games before he claimed the opening set in a tiebreaker in 56 minutes.
Raonic could not lay a glove on the world number one, who pounced with a service break in the opening game of the second set.
The top seed cracked Raonic's serve twice in the final set to cruise to the finish line.
"He just didn't allow me to organize my game. Even when he was returning well, by the end of the match he was doing a good job of playing deep and never allowing me to go forward," Raonic said.
"He was pretty much on the baseline the whole time and I was further back."
AFP
Wed Jan 28 2015
Djokovic celebrates after victory in his mens singles match against Raonic on Day 10 of the 2015 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Jan 28. - AFP Photo/Paul Crock
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.