Djokovic defeats defending champ Wawrinka to reach Australian Open final

MELBOURNE, Australia - Novak Djokovic was stretched to five sets again against Stan Wawrinka before beating the defending champion 7-6 (1), 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 Friday night to reach his fifth Australian Open final.

The top-ranked Djokovic equaled the record shared by Roger Federer and Stefan Edberg for most Australian finals in the Open era. He has won all four of his previous finals here, including two against Andy Murray. Djokovic and Murray will meet Sunday for the championship.

The previous three Grand Slam meetings between Djokovic and Wawrinka had gone five sets, including two at the Australian Open that lasted a combined nine hours.

Djokovic won 12-10 in the fifth in the fourth round in 2013 and Wawrinka won 9-7 in the fifth in the quarterfinals last year.