Roger Federer will face Milos Raonic in a rematch of last year’s Brisbane International decider after dominating Austria’s Dominic Thiem in their semi-final on Saturday.
Federer, who has battled a flu bug this week, won 6-1 6-4 in an hour-long clash at Pat Rafter Arena to set up a crack at his 89th ATP title, against Raonic, who beat Bernard Tomic in straight sets.
The former world No.1 narrowly prevailed 6-4 6-7 (2-7) 6-4 over Raonic in last year’s final, and looks to be in the right kind of form after sweeping aside Thiem, the youngest player in the world’s top 30.
Federer’s performance was largely error-free, although a gallant Thiem managed to break him in the second set and fired home a few impressive winners.
“I think it was my best match of the tournament,” Federer said.