Australian Open: Federer enters final after Chung retires hurt

World number two Roger Federer made it through to a record seventh Australian Open final after South Korean opponent Hyeon Chung retired hurt in the second set of their semi-final clash on Friday.

Federer allowed Chung to win just three games. The Swiss maestro won the first set 6-1 against a nervy Chung and was leading 5-2 in the second set when the latter opted to withdraw.

Federer will be aiming to win his second consecutive title at Melbourne Park when he faces Marin Cilic in the finals on Sunday.

Meanwhile, it was a heart-breaking end to a fairytale journey for Hyeon Chung at this year's Australian Open.

The South Korean player had to take a medical timeout after a blister on his left foot. The trainer treated him for blisters on his feet in the second set, but he was unable to recover.

Federer sympathized with Chung, sayin, "I could tell something was wrong before he took the time-out. But he has a great composure and I think we're going to see a lot more of him. Top 10 for sure. The rest, I don't know, I don't want to put too much pressure on him. I think he's going to be a great player."

The former world number one also shared the view that it is better to stop because if the pain gets too much, as there is no way you can make a comeback.

"Really, and I've played with blisters in the past a lot, and it hurts a lot, and at one point it is just too much and you can't take it anymore. When you realise there is no way you can come back and you make things really worse, it is better to stop," noted Federer.

If Federer wins the title, it would be his 20th Grand Slam title.

--ANI