All the build-up to what was described as the match of the Australian Open lay in shambles as Swiss ace Roger Federer swept past American Andy Roddick 6-4 6-0 6-2 in a semifinal match up. The match was a damp squib to say the least with Roddick having no answers to Federer's superior style of play. 

The defending champion was simply too good for Roddick who appeared shell shocked at the end of it all. Federer himself admitted that he did not expect it to be so easy. "It's just unreal. I'm shocked myself, I don't know what to say," Federer said. "I played incredibly well but the tournament isn't over yet so let's not get carried away."

Roddick minced no words in describing a performance that will surely rank as one of his worst. "It was frustrating, it was miserable, it sucked. I caught an absolute beating tonight. Apart from that it was fine," he said dejectedly.

Elsewhere Russian Maria Sharapova ended Kim Clijsters Australian Open career with a 6-4, 6-4 win over her Belgian rival to become the first Russian woman to make it to the Australian Open Final.  Sharapova will play American comeback star Serena Williams who overcame Czech teenager Nicole Vaidisova 7-6, 6-4.

Williams will be appearing in her first Grand Slam finals in over two years. "She played some incredible points on match point. She just got relaxed. It reminded me a bit of myself. I just tried to stay focused and tried to stay calm. It was just great," she said after the match.