Roger Federer marched into the semifinal of the Australian Open for the 13th time in 14 years by producing a scintillating display to see off Mischa Zverev 6-1, 7-5, 6-2.
Federer was taken to five sets by Kei Nishikori on Sunday, but the Swiss, who missed a large part of 2016 through injury, showed no sign of tiredness to set up a last-four clash with compatriot Stan Wawrinka.
Zverev eliminated world number one Andy Murray in the fourth round and admitted afterwards he had no 'Plan B' for his relentless serve-and-volley style, but he could have used something to fall back on against the ruthless four-time Melbourne champion.
The 17-time grand slam winner produced an onslaught of classy groundstrokes to glide through the match largely unchallenged, with Zverev having to dig deep to avoid an even heavier loss.
Federer's poise and precision was clear from the off as he raced into a commanding lead, passing Zverev with a sweet cross-court backhand after setting up three break points with a phenomenal lob.
Zverev finally held to stay in the set following a long backhand from Federer, but the 35-year-old was not to be denied as he served out the set in just 19 minutes.
The world number 50 began to settle and broke to love for a 3-1 lead when Federer found the net with a backhand, but he was unable to consolidate and his illustrious opponent soon drew level.
Federer's game was not as pristine as in the first set, but an excellent pass down the line enabled him to serve out the set. The veteran maestro did not wait so long to strike in the third, a clinical backhand again getting the better of Zverev as he stood at the net.
The German fended off five break points before his resolve was broken in game seven, and despite facing a break in the next game, Federer's superior quality saw through as he clinched the victory with a brilliant cross-court forehand.
STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Federer [17] bt Zverev 6-1 7-5 6-2
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Federer - 65/13
Zverev - 30/13
ACES
Federer - 5
Zverev - 9
BREAK POINTS WON
Federer - 6/15
Zverev - 1/2
FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Federer - 68
Zverev - 74
PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Federer - 69/68
Zverev - 53/52
TOTAL POINTS
Federer - 100
Zverev - 76
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