Johanna Konta's dream run ends as Angelique Kerber earns place in Australian Open final

Kerber subdued the British main draw debutante in 82 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to set up a meeting with defending champion Serena Williams, becoming the first German to reach the final at Melbourne Park since Anke Huber in 1996.

While Konta's superb run came to an end at last, there was better news elsewhere for British tennis fans, however, as Jamie Murray and his Brazilian partner Bruno Soares stormed into the men's doubles final with a straight sets victory.

[DOUBLES MATCH REPORT AND REACTION: Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares make men's doubles final in Melbourne]

Konta, Britain's first female semi-finalist at the Australian Open in 39 years, recovered from a nervous start to take the match to the 28-year-old seventh seed with her powerful serve and ranging groundstrokes.

Konta late in the first set pushed Kerber, forcing her into making many strokes and tried to corner her on the court.

Lefthander Kerber kept her composure, however, and secured a decisive break for 6-5 in the first set before overwhelming the world number 47 in the second, sealing victory and a place in Saturday's final when Konta went long with a backhand return.

Kerber now faces the mighty Serena Williams, who has looked in the form of her life for the past year and was imperious in crushing Agenieska Radwanksa in the other semi-final.

And the German admitted that nobody will expect her to win.

"I am really looking forward to playing Serena in the final. I have nothing to lose," she smiled.

Kerber also paid tribute to Konta and her amazing two weeks.

"She's a tough opponent and she will win many tournaments in the future for sure," added the German.