Roger Federer emerged victorious from a five-set thriller against compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka to reach the Australian Open final.

Federer raced into a two-set lead, playing scintillating tennis and appearing to reduce Wawrinka to tears as the reigning US Open champion called for an injury time-out ahead of the third set.

But the pause in play proved a turning point, as Wawrinka raced to a 6-1 win in the third set, before winning the fourth to send the match to a decider.

However, fan favourite Federer broke at a crucial moment in the final set to go into a 4-2 lead, and the 35-year-old served out for victory to secure a 7-5 6-3 1-6 4-6 6-3 win.

Federer is eyeing an historic 18th Grand Slam title – and his first since 2012 – and will face the winner of Friday’s semi-final between Rafael Nadal and Grigor Dimitrov.