MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic paid “huge respect” to old rival Roger Federer on Thursday night after he swept past the ailing star and into a record eighth Australian Open final to move closer to his 17th Grand Slam crown.

In the 50th installment of one of sport’s greatest rivalries, the Serb shrugged off a tentative start to reinforce his recent dominance, showing no mercy to the injury-hit Swiss maestro in a 7-6 (1), 6-4, 6-3 win.