Switzerland's Roger Federer blasted Andy Roddick off-court in another fearsome display to reach the Australian Open final and stay on course for a record-tying 14th Grand Slam title on Thursday. The second seed absorbed Roddick's serve and dominated the rallies to take it 6-2, 7-5, 7-5, with arch-rival Rafael Nadal playing Fernando Verdasco in the all-Spanish second semi-final on Friday. Federer, now in his 18th Grand Slam final, has not lost any of his three previous Australian Open title matches and continues his unbeaten record against Roddick in Major tournaments. "I had a great start and that helped because I played really solid out there," he said. "I thought the level was high throughout the match. Andy played good too, so it was fun." Nadal is hot favourite for his semi with Verdasco, raising the prospect of a mouth-watering seventh Grand Slam final between the world's top two players.