World No. 1 Rafael Nadal beat his great rival Roger Federer 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 6-3 to reach the final of the Australian Open. The Spaniard is bidding to win a 14th grand slam title and his first at Melbourne Park since 2009.
Rafa reigns supreme —
World No. 1 Rafael Nadal beat his great rival Roger Federer 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 6-3 to reach the final of the Australian Open. The Spaniard is bidding to win a 14th grand slam title and his first at Melbourne Park since 2009.
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Nadal's victory was particularly impressive considering he had to contend with 17-time grand slam winner Federer and blisters on his left palm.
Blistering form —
Nadal's victory was particularly impressive considering he had to contend with 17-time grand slam winner Federer and blisters on his left palm.
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For Federer, he was left to reflect on yet another loss against Nadal. The Swiss has been beaten in his past five matches against Nadal, while he also trails in their head-to-head record 23-10.
Familiar foe —
For Federer, he was left to reflect on yet another loss against Nadal. The Swiss has been beaten in his past five matches against Nadal, while he also trails in their head-to-head record 23-10.
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The hotly-anticipated match was played out in front of a jam-packed Rod Laver Arena.
Expectant crowd —
The hotly-anticipated match was played out in front of a jam-packed Rod Laver Arena.
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Nadal's opponent in Sunday's showpiece match will be Federer's compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka. The eighth seed reached his first grand slam final by beating Tomas Berdych on Thursday.
Super Stan —
Nadal's opponent in Sunday's showpiece match will be Federer's compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka. The eighth seed reached his first grand slam final by beating Tomas Berdych on Thursday.
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