Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are adding yet another layer to their historic rivalry. The 2009 Australian Open champion defeated No. 15 seed Grigor Dimitrov on Friday in an instant five-set semi-final classic, earning the right to face Federer for the title in Melbourne. After a difficult 2016 plagued by wrist issues that forced Nadal to cut his season short in October, he’s thrilled to be healthy again and playing the level of tennis he's capable of producing. “I am a positive person. I never say never because I worked very hard to be where I am,” said Nadal. “I didn’t think about being where I am today. I always had the confidence that if I’m able to win some...
Watch highlights as Rafael Nadal beats Grigor Dimitrov in a five-set thriller to set an Australian Open final clash with Roger Federer. Photo: Getty Images. Video Courtesy Tennis Australia.
It's true that once the Australian Open draw was made, there was a possibility for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to meet in the final. And while it was a possibility hardly whispered on social media, as the fortnight went on and the Swiss star beat Stan Wawrinka to reach the championship match, all eyes were on the Spaniard to make that possibility a reality. He did just that, defeating Grigor Dimitrov in five sets to set a 35th meeting with Federer, the trophy in Melbourne on the line. Here's what social media had to say once a "Fedal" final came to fruition: Fasten your seat belts RAFA vs ROGER final is back #AusOpen— Juan Monaco (@picomonaco) January 27, 2017...
It will be Rafael Nadal against Roger Federer in the Australian Open final after the Spaniard withstood a gritty performance from Grigor Dimitrov to prevail 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-7(4), 6-4 in an exhilarating contest on Friday night in the semi-finals at Melbourne Park. It was an emotional victory for the 30-year-old Nadal, who is through to his first Grand Slam final since winning the 2014 Roland Garros crown – his 14th major triumph. It will be his fourth final appearance at Melbourne Park, having lifted the trophy in 2009, beating Federer in a dramatic five-set finale, and finished runner-up in 2012 (l. to Djokovic) and 2014 (l. to Wawrinka). "It was a fantastic match. Very emotional," said Nadal. "I think...
Rafael Nadal and Grigor Dimitrov look forward to competing in the Australian Open semi-finals on Friday. Nadal leads 7-1 in their FedEx ATP Head2Head series.