Roger Federer through to Australian Open final after Chung retires with BLISTERS

Federer was a set a break up in the semi-final on the Rod Laver court before Chung pulled out due to sore feat.

He took a medical time out at the end of the first set and had to call it a day at 6-1 5-2 down.

Federer will now face Marin Cilic on Sunday in the final as he looks to secure his 20th Grand Slam title.

Federer was romping to victory before Chung had to pull out with pain.

The world No 2 was sympathetic admitting he knew something was wrong at the start of the second set.

“I thought the first set was normal. I couldn’t tell what was going on with my opponent,” Federer said.

“In the second set I felt he was getting slower. He’s had a problem with the blister. It hurts – a lot. At some point it’s too much and you make things worse.

“Clearly I’m happy to be in the final but not like this. He’s had such a wonderful tournament.”

But Federer was very positive about his opponent and has backed him to reach the top 10.

“Fighting was a problem today,” he said. “I could tell something was wrong, but he has a great composure.

“I think he’s going to achieve next level excellence – top 10 for sure.

“I can see why he beat Novak (Djokovic) and Sasha (Zverev). He’s going to be a great, great player.”