In just a matter of days, Novak Djokovic went from toiling in an error-strewn existence to Mr. Clean.
The world No. 1 held off a late charge from Roger Federer , winning 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 to reach the Australian Open final once again.
But Thursday against the third-ranked Federer, Djokovic played tidy tennis for much of their 2-hour, 19-minute matchup, finishing with 33 winners and only 20 misfires.
"In the end of the day you are battling yourself the most," Djokovic said of his turnaround.
Djokovic's message was clear from the start against Federer: The 10-time major champion won 12 of the first 14 points en route to a two-set lead in just 54 minutes.
The world No. 1 had outrun, outhit and outplayed Federer in every facet of the game.
Djokovic now awaits the winner of Friday's other semifinal between No. 2 Andy Murray and No. 8 Milos Raonic.
