(dailynewyorknews) – World No. 2 Rafael Nadal and 16 times Grand Slam winner Roger Federer battle for a place in the final after rivals Australia Open tennis great won their last eight ties on Tuesday.
The four-time champion Roger Federer reached his 30 th Grand Slam semifinal with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 against Argentina World No. 11 Juan Martin del Potro in the game early in the day.
Ten times Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal – who beat Federer in epic final to claim his victory in the 2009 Australia Open – then you have a hard-fought victory over Czech Tomas Berdych seventh seed.
The Spanish came from behind to win 6-7 (5-7) and 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, 6-3 in a grueling match that lasted over four hours.
Former world number two 1s met in Grand Slam nine games – eight of them after its final meeting in the first semifinal of the French Open in 2005. Nadal won the match and six others.
Won 17 of 26 matches in the pair of all, their most recent clash with Federer wins in straight sets last year’s ATP World Tour.
Melbourne this year, the event is the first time since Roland Garros six years ago Federer and Nadal were on the same side of a tie for the Grand Slam.
“It’s been a long time,” Federer told reporters after reaching the semifinals of the largest opening for the ninth consecutive year of the tennis season.
“I think it’s a good change up. Well, it allows a hand in the final here, if (Andy) Murray to play Novak (Djokovic). But I think it’s good for tennis changes a little.”
Nadal said his 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3) 3-6 6-2 win over Federer in the 2009 tournament was a showcase of the “unforgettable” experience.
“Seriously, the latter is one of the memories that will always be in my mind,” he told journalists in 25 years.
Said Federer, who has not dropped a set during the tournament, would be preferable to the hard surface of the court.
“He does well and plays great, and had a fantastic end of season last year. Therefore, it comes with confidence. It will be a very, very difficult for me,” said Nadal.
“I always play on these surfaces is the favorite. Its level is fantastic, and today won a fantastic match against one of the best players in the world, Del Potro. So it’s very, very well.”
The other semifinal could see a rematch between the defending champion Novak Djokovic and 2011 finalist Andy Murray.
World No. 1 in Spain Djokovic plays the fifth seed David Ferrer Wednesday, while Murray # 4 – was also losing finalists in 2010 – Japan faces Kei Nishikori incredible deal.
Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/24/sport/tennis/tennis-nadal-federer-australia/index.html?hpt=isp_c2
