When Andy Murray takes on Milos Raonic in Melbourne at around 8.30am UK time, Novak Djokovic will have his feet up, enjoying the show.

The world No 1 awaits the winner after a scintillating performance in his semi-final, his 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory putting him into a sixth Australian Open final, one win away from a sixth title.

The first two sets of last night’s match were little short of breathtaking from the Serb, who has taken the game to new heights in the past 18 months.

Federer, the 17-times grand slam champion and arguably in the better form of the two going into what was their 45th encounter, was helpless as winner after winner sailed past him.

Somehow, he hauled himself back into the match in the third set but it was a brief respite as Djokovic restored order, breaking once to win the fourth and clinch a hugely impressive victory.

“I've had matches where I've played similar tennis,” he said of his start, which yielded a two-set lead in 54 minutes.

“But I think against Roger, these first two sets have been probably the best two sets I've played against him overall I think throughout my career.”

“I've had some moments against him in sets where I've played on a high level, but this was I think a different level than from before. I'm just very, very pleased that I was able to perform the way I did from the very beginning till the end.”

Federer produced the shot of the match, at 3-4, 15-30 down in the fourth set, when he tracked down a smash before racing across to his left and ripping a backhand onto the sideline for a winner.

A few years ago, Djokovic might have been flustered by that moment as the crowd roared for Federer to get back into it.

But the Djokovic of the past two years is a very different animal, sweeping all before him and able, when necessary, to come through difficult phases in a match.

“Obviously I didn't want to allow him to come back to the match and give him an opportunity maybe to take the match to the fifth,” Djokovic said of Federer’s fightback.

“I know that if I drop my level or concentration or allow myself to get distracted by anything that he would take the first opportunity, jump on me, and just take the lead of the rallies. That's what he has done in the third.

“He just waits for a little drop from his opponent. That's why he's been so successful throughout his career.

But I was aware of that before the match, so psychologically I did not allow myself to have big oscillations. Of course, there was a lot of excitement from the crowd, as well, towards the end of the third set. Then of course they got into it. It was a great atmosphere.

“But I've played in these particular situations before, and managed to use that experience.”

Federer remains confident that he can beat Djokovic, despite a third defeat by the Serb in successive grand slams.

“I have self-confidence as well, you know,” he said. “That doesn't fade away very quickly. I know it's not easy. I never thought it was easy.

“It's disappointing, but at the same time I'm going deep in slams right now. I'm having great runs. I thought I had a tough draw here, so I'm actually pleased where my level's at at the beginning of the season.”

Djokovic, meanwhile, will enjoy his extra day off.

“I think it's good for me at this stage,” he said. “I've played a lot of tennis. Being in the finals and watching the other semi-final, of course it's quite a joyful feeling.”