Four-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer was at his majestic best in Melbourne, surviving a third set wobble against Andy Murray to set up a semi-final against Rafael Nadal.

"I think Nadal is going to win," said former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Based on the Federer's newfound form, I'm not so sure. Join me on Friday to see how he gets on. But until tomorrow, where Tomas Berdych versus Stanislas Wawrinka awaits, it's goodbye from me.

I'll be back from 0800 GMT tomorrow to bring you live text commentary of the first men's semi-final - Tomas Berdych against Stanislas Wawrinka, who knocked out defending champion Novak Djokovic.

The women's semi-finals take place tomorrow, on Rod Laver Arena, with 30th seed Eugenie Bouchard taking on Li Na, the fourth seed, in the first tie at around 0230 GMT. Dominika Cibulkova, the 20th seed, against fifth seed Agnieszka Radwanska follows.

Jarleth Eaton:, external Federer looked majestic. Absolutely majestic. Nadal better watch out, that semi final on Friday will be incredible.

Laura Lambert:, external Valiant effort by Murray taking third set and reaching QF with so few matches but Federer is a new man. Exciting year ahead!

Tim Arstall:, external No shame in losing to Federer for Murray, unbelievable psychological and physical strength to last as long as he did.

Image source, Reuters

Victory for Federer sees him reach the Australian Open semi-finals for a record 11th consecutive year, stretching back to 2004. The next best run was six successive appearances by Ivan Lendl between 1985 and 1991.

Roger Federer takes on Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals on Friday, as the Spaniard came through in four sets earlier in the day.

"I'm looking forward to it," said Federer. "I'm sure it's going to be a good match, tough, brutal, all those things. We've had some epics over the years, he's had an amazing comeback last year after being out for seven months with an injury. I hope we can slug it out here in a couple of days."

Federer added: "My confidence is much higher than it was last year, and that's very satisfying. I have more confidence in my movement. Last year I felt it wasn't quite right. You can still play, but it's not quite the same when you have big opportunities in matches. That's what I felt last year, but I kept on playing and kept working hard and now here I am in the semi-finals."

Image source, Getty Images

On failing to take eight break point opportunities in the third set, Federer smiles and said: "I seem to miss more break points than the other guys, so I'm used to it. You have to stay positive and say to yourself you can get the next one. I tried to keep my composure and it worked tonight."

Interviewer Jim Courier asks Federer how he felt after letting the third set slip through his fingers. "I had no choice but to stay out here and tell myself I was still in the lead," said Federer. "It was tough, sitting there thinking I could be talking to you but I'm preparing for the fourth. Andy did well, kept the ball in play and I couldn't get it done, so I'm happy to have got the win."

Goran Ivanisevic
Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 sports extra

"This match could have been over an hour ago when Roger served for the match but he was aggressive, he really played great tennis and was the better player."

Image source, AP

Murray likes to do it the hard way doesn't he? First, he hits a venomous forehand crosscourt winner and follows it up with an passing shot down the line which Federer can't return for 0-30. But the Scot is left gasping for air as the Swiss reels off the next two points to move 30-30. Murray sends his next return long to set up Federer's third match point and he seals it with an ace.

Image source, Reuters

It looks like Murray's brave fight is about to come to an end. He hits three successive forehand errors, grimacing after each one and shouting something inaudible towards his box. Federer has three break points. Murray saves the first with a booming serve, and the second, with another good first serve, but he can't do anything about the third as Federer hits a brilliant drop shot. The Swiss breaks at the ninth time of asking in this set and will once again serve for the set.

Murray is looking tired and simply has no answer to the Federer serve. The Swiss takes full advantage to race to a 40-0 lead, and losing the next two points, Federer puts the game to bed with a smash.

David Law
BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

"We've had more than three hours of tennis and this is just about fitness, willpower and trying to grind each other into the ground."

Goran Ivanisevic
Former Wimbledon champion on BBC Radio 5 sports extra

"I don't know how many break points Roger is going to have. You can't have a million and not take any."

Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Image source, AP

Federer hits his 48th winner - compared to 38 for Murray - as he finds himself at 30-30 on the Briton's serve. Federer lets Murray off the hook in the next point, but launches a huge forehand return winner to bring up deuce. A second deuce follows. Surely not another marathon? Federer conjures up a break point - his seventh of the set - with a majestic lob which Murray reaches only for his backhand volley to hit the top of the net and dribble back onto his side of the court. Deuce three. This time Murray strings two points together to end the game. Just the seven minutes this time. Easy.

Some good serving from Federer who whizzes through another service game for the loss of just one point.

Murray follows up Federer's super quick service game with one of his own, winning it to love. That's just what was needed.

Peter Riley:, external Remember the staggeringly long game between these two at Wimbledon. Murray lost it and it proved crucial. Imperative he held.

Dean Watson:, external Amazed by the fight from Andy Murray today. He looks tight, in pain and sluggish but is still pushing Fed to beat him.

Image source, Getty Images

Federer needs what feels like 19 seconds to win his service game to love. That'll delight both players as I'm sure they could do with a good sit down after that monster second game.