Roger Federer made it through to a record seventh Australian Open final when South Korean Chung Hyeon retired in the second set of their semi-final last night.
The Swiss led 6-1 5-2 when 21-year-old Chung was forced to call it quits, three games after being treated for a blister on his left foot.
Federer says he was on course to take a two-set lead after just 62 minutes when the second semi-final came to an abrupt halt.
“I thought the first set was normal," said Federer. “I couldn’t tell what was going on with my opponent. In the second set I felt he was getting slower. He’s had a problem with the blister. It hurts – a lot. At some point it’s too much and you make things worse clearly I’m happy to be in the final – but not like this. He’s had such a wonderful tournament.”
Defending champion Federer, 36, goes on to face Croatian sixth seed Marin Cilic in tomorrow’s final.
The world number two is seeking a sixth Australian and 20th Grand Slam title.
