Stanislas Wawrinka reached his first Grand Slam final after seeing off Tomas Berdych in the last four of the Australian Open.
The Swiss claimed victory in the third tie-break of a four-set thriller to win 6-3, 6-7 (1-7), 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-4) in Melbourne.
He will face either Spain’s Rafael Nadal or Swiss Compatriot Roger Federer in Sunday’s final.
“It’s amazing, I’m so happy to be here. I didn’t expect to make a final in a Grand Slam, and it’s happening. I’m just really happy.
“I have two days to enjoy this win and then get ready for my first final.”
The match between both players next to each other in the ATP rankings turned out a close contest. The Czech dropped the first break point of the match on his way to losing the first set.
The duo played catch-ups in all the key statistics as the contest wore on.
Berdych saved a break point in the second set before going on to dominate the tie-break.
He kept up some fantastic play in the third until he was unable to convert his first chance on Wawrinka’s serve at 4-4.
The third set required another tie-break and it was time for Berdych to relinquish power to his Swiss opponent, after crucial double faults at 3-2 and on set point.
Berdych looked to have lost confidence early in the fourth when he he escaped a break point after three double-faults in the opening game.
It came down to another tie-break and with the Rod Laver Arena crowd fully behind Wawrinka, the Swiss closed out the set to seal a Grand Slam final berth for the first time.
