Rafael Nadal outlasted Roger
Federer 6-7 (5), 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in an Australian Open semifinal on
Thursday night, the longtime rivals playing with the intensity normally
displayed when meeting in a Grand Slam final.
The stars who met in eight Grand Slam finals were on the same side of the draw for the first time at a major since 2005.
Two
weeks ago, Nadal injured his right knee and wasn’t sure he’d be able to
start the tournament. Now, he can barely believe he’s in the final.
“If
you tell me that two Sundays ago, I really cannot imagine,” Nadal said.
“For me, it’s a dream to be back in a final of the Australian Open.”
Nadal
will have the opportunity to win another championship on Sunday night
when the Spanish left-hander plays the winner of the semifinal Friday
between defending champion Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Earlier
Thursday, Maria Sharapova overcame Petra Kvitova to advance to the
women’s final against Victoria Azarenka. Sharapova broke Kvitova’s serve
in the last game to finish off a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 victory and the
third-seeded Azarenka beat defending champion Kim Clijsters 6-4, 1-6,
6-3 to set up a Saturday night final at Rod Laver Arena that will decide
the No. 1 ranking.
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