Australian Open: Roger Federer overcomes Davydenko after shaky start

• Roger Federer hits a serve today (Getty)

Davydenko had beaten Federer in their previous two meetings and began confidently to win the opening set before grabbing an early break in the second.

The Russian had all the momentum but world number one Federer responded to the challenge in emphatic style as he peeled off the next 13 consecutive games to leave his Russian opponent stunned.

Davydenko, who had won his previous 13 matches, regained his composure to briefly threaten in the fourth set, but again Federer withstood the challenge to book his place in a record 23rd consecutive grand slam semi-final.

"I've played him many times and I know he goes through phases although they weren't a notch on what he did in that first set." Federer said.

"I just tried to stay positive. I wasn't playing bad but he was just playing so well.

"It was obviously a bit of a surprise to come back that great because obviously he has been on an incredible run."

His relief break did not work immediately as Davydenko again broke and went 3-1 ahead before the Swiss reeled off the next 13 games in a row.

The run handed Federer the second and third sets as well as a break in the fourth.

Davydenko had gone an hour without winning a game when he held to love and then broke to level at 3-3.

But after the players traded breaks again, and Federer failed to serve out the match, the Swiss finally landed the final blow with a cross-court winner.

Federer will now play the winner of Novak Djokovic and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga in the semi finals.

Andy Murray, who progressed against an injured Rafael Nadal yesterday, plays Marin Cilic tomorrow.