World number one Rafael Nadal advanced to his third Australian Open final after the Spaniard dispatched long-time rival Roger Federer of Switzerland 7-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the semifinals on Friday. This was a highly anticipated match between two players and everyone looked forward to a five-set thriller but it just wasn’t meant to be as Federer produced numerous unforced errors and his net play did not work as well as during his quarterfinal victory over Andy Murray.
Nadal is now just a win away from winning his second title in Melbourne. He will face another Swiss player – Stanislas Wawrinka in the final on Sunday. Wawrinka, ranked eighth in the world, eliminated Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic in the semifinal on Thursday.
Tennis greats such as Rod Laver, Pete Sampras and Ken Rosewall were in the courtside to witness the match. Nadal was in his element and gave a ruthless performance that left Federer grappling for answers.
“I played well tonight,” said Nadal. “I think I played probably my best match of the tournament. So I am very, very, very happy for this great news that I played my best match in that semi-final against Roger.
“He arrived to that match winning two great matches against [Jo-Wilfried] Tsonga and Andy [Murray] two days ago. I am really very happy the way I played tonight, and it is a very special moment to have the chance to be in another final.”
This is Nadal’s 19th Grand Slam final which is already second in all-time list to Federer’s 24. The Spaniard is aiming for a second title in Melbourne following his triumph back in 2009. He was runner-up in 2012 to Novak Djokovic.
Nadal is looking forward to meet another Swiss player – Stanislas Wawrinka in the final.
“He’s playing great,” said Nadal. “He’s a good friend, great guy. So I am happy for him that he’s in the final. He deserves it. He’s playing better and better every year.
“He’s serving unbelievable. He’s hitting the ball very strong from the baseline. He is very, very quick. I know it will be a very, very tough match. If I am not able to play my best, I think I will not have chances because he’s coming into this match with a lot of victories and playing great.”
