An emotional Novak Djokovic has paid tribute to NBA great Kobe Bryant after setting up a mouth-watering Australian Open semi-final with Roger Federer.

The Serbian superstar put on a clinical display in a quarter-final against Milos Raonic on Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday night to prevail 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7-1).

The No.2 seed will face off against Federer for the 50th time in their storied rivalry, which stands at 26 wins for Djokovic and 23 victories for the Swiss master.

Djokovic was moved to tears on court as he spoke about his fallen friend, who died with daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash in the Los Angeles hills on Sunday.

“I don’t know what we could say … it really caught us by surprise,” Djokovic said.

“He was one of the greatest athletes of all time.

“He inspired myself and many other people around the world.

“I had the fortune to have a personal relationship with him and when I needed some advice and some support he was there for me.

“He was my mentor, my friend, and it’s just heartbreaking to see what has happened to him and his daughter.”

Earlier, Federer survived seven match points against American Tennys Sandgren to advance to a record-extending 15th Open semi-final with a heartstopping 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 (10-8) 6-3 win over the world No.100.