Edmund tries to block out the attention in bid to reach final of Australian Open

Roger Federer is happy to see Kyle Edmund and Chung Hyeon make their breakthroughs at the Australian Open to bring fresh blood to the sport.

Chung defeated Tennys Sandren 6-4 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 to follow Edmund into the semifinals at Melbourne Park.

It is the first time for 10 years that an unseeded male player has made it to the semi-finals of a slam and the first time since 1999 that there have been two unseeded men through.

Federer will play Chung after beating Tomas Berdych 7-6 (7/1) 6-3 6-4 while Edmund takes on Marin Cilic.

“I think it’s a good thing,” said Federer.

“They’ve got to make a move. I find it disappointing when their breakthroughs come at 27, because then we know them for seven years. I like it when we don’t know the guys.

“I hardly know Chung. I’ve hardly spoken to him. I had one Nike appearance once with Edmund over in London.

“That’s about it. Maybe otherwise I’ve shaken his hand twice and spoken a few words to him.”

Federer has also followed the progress of Edmund with interest, and said: “It’s a good situation to be in. He can hit freely now. No expectations whatsoever.

“He’ll maybe never be in this position ever again, to have so little expectations. Great, great effort. I’m very happy for him.”

● Rafael Nadal expects to return to action as scheduled at the ATP event in Acapulco next month after a scan revealed a tear to his inner right hip muscle.

The world No 1 suffered the injury during his quarter-final clash with Marin Cilic at the Australian Open on Tuesday and was forced to withdraw two games into the final set.

Roger Federer eased into the Melbourne semis.