Defending champion Roger Federer is through to the Australian Open final after his opponent Hyeon Chung retired during the second set of their semi-final clash.
Federer was leading 6-1, 5-2 when 21-year-old Korean star Chung withdrew because of blisters on his left foot. The victory means Federer has progressed to his 30th grand slam final and he can now match Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson’s record of six Australian Open titles.
The Swiss second seed will face Croatian sixth seed Marin Cilic in Sunday’s final at Melbourne Park.
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Speaking after his match against Chung, Federer told the BBC: “I thought the first set was normal. 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.”
The Federer vs. Cilic final takes place on Sunday at 8.30am (UK time).
Top seeds Halep and Wozniacki progress
The women’s No.1 seed Simona Halep secured a thrilling victory against Angelique Kerber to set up a final clash against Caroline Wozniacki.
Halep beat Kerber 6-3, 4-6, 9-7 to reach her first final in Melbourne. “It was very tough,” said the world No.1. “I’m shaking, I’m emotional. I knew it was going to be tough. She’s a tough opponent who is moving well and hitting from everywhere. I want to thank everyone for supporting me and helping me.”
Wozniacki is through to tomorrow’s final after a 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) win against Belgian Elise Mertens. Denmark’s Wozniacki has also reached her first Australian Open final.
We look at the betting odds and how to watch the Australian Open on TV.
2018 Australian Open guide
The 106th edition of the Australian Open consists of singles, doubles and mixed doubles events.
- Where: Melbourne Park, Victoria, Australia
- When: 15-28 January
- 2017 champions: Roger Federer (men’s singles); Serena Williams (women’s singles)
- 2018 prize money: AU$55m (£32m)
- Surface: hard court
- Website: ausopen.com
Australian Open finals
Women’s singles final
- Tomorrow: Simona Halep vs. Caroline Wozniacki (8.30am)
Men’s singles final
- Sunday: Roger Federer vs. Marin Cilic (8.30am)
Where does the Australian Open take place?
On Melbourne Park’s 25 courts, including the main Rod Laver Arena, which will host the Australian Open finals.
How to watch the 2018 Australian Open in the UK
All the action from Melbourne will be shown live on Eurosport. A day pass costs £4.99, while an annual pass is £29.99. The BBC will also show highlights.
When are the 2018 Australian Open finals?
The women’s final is scheduled for tomorrow with the men’s final on Sunday.
2018 Australian Open betting odds
Best prices for the Australian Open men’s singles and women’s singles, according to Oddschecker, as of 26 January:
Men’s singles betting odds
- Roger Federer: 11/8
- Marin Cilic: 28/1
Women’s singles betting odds
- Simona Halep: 5/7
- Caroline Wozniacki: 6/5
