The Serb surged into the semi-finals and a date with world number two Zverev to edge closer to an 11th Melbourne crown and all-time record 25th Slam title.
"Emilia Perez," Jacques Audiard's audacious musical about a ruthless Mexican drug lord who transitions to life as a woman, leads the competition with 13 nominations.
It will be the American's first final in Melbourne, and only her second in Slams, and she broke down in tears after finally getting over the line in 2hr 35min.