Andy Murray to face Roger Federer in Australian Open semi-final

Swiss beats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to reach last four

Switzerland's Roger Federer reacts after a point against France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga during their men's singles match. Federer won over five sets (GETTY IMAGES)

Roger Federer fended off a withering challenge from Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to prevail 7-6 4-6 7-6 3-6 6-3 in Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open today to set up a semi-final against Andy Murray.

Seventh seed Tsonga unleashed a barrage of brilliant shot-making to level the match at two sets apiece but the Swiss maestro was composure personified as he captured the decisive break at 2-1 in the fifth.

Battling for survival, Tsonga saved four match points when serving to stay in the match, but Federer closed out the match on the fifth with an overhead smash, qualifying for his 10th straight semi-final at Melbourne Park.

Federer will play Murray on Friday for a place in the final as he continues his bid for an 18th grand slam title and fifth at Melbourne Park.

More to follow...