Djokovic sets up Federer showdown with Raonic rout

Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action during his match against Canada's Milos Raonic - Reuters

MELBOURNE (Reuters): Defending champion Novak Djokovic set up a semi-final showdown with ‘Big Three’ rival Roger Federer at the Australian Open on Tuesday with a thumping 6-4 6-3 7-6(1) victory over Canada’s hapless Milos Raonic.

“I hope I get to at least one match point in a few days,” Djokovic, who holds a 26-23 edge over Federer, quipped on court after downing Raonic.

“Obviously (I have) tremendous respect for Roger, everything he has achieved in the sport — definitely one of the all-time greats.

“Let the better player win.”

While 38-year-old Federer made heavy weather of world number 100 Sandgren and was hampered by a groin problem, Djokovic’s biggest trouble against Raonic was his contact lenses.

He winced in discomfort in the latter part of the match and took a medical timeout at 4-4 in the third set to fit a fresh pair passed on from his players’ box.