World number two Rafael Nadal continued his remarkable record against old foe Roger Federer in grand slam tournaments and in the process advanced through to the 2012 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final following a thrilling victory in their Semi-Final clash on Thursday night.
Nadal made it eight wins from 10 grand slam meetings as he progressed through to his second Australian Open Final after a four set 6-7 6-2 7-6 6-4 victory over Federer in front of a packed Rod Laver Arena.
In another classic between the two gentleman, who combined have won 26 grand slam titles it was Nadal who in the end came out on top after just over four hours on court.
“We have had good matches over the years,” said Federer at his after match media conference. “I enjoy playing him. The crowd really gets into it, which is nice. We have a lot of respect for each other, which is good, too, I think.”
“You know, works as well at the highest of levels. We also play well against each other. I always think he plays a bit better against me than against other players, but that’s good for him.”
Federer who hasn’t beaten Nadal in a grand slam since the Wimbledon Final of 2007 came out the stronger of the two and once held a 4-1 lead in the opening set before the raging bull fought his way back and sent the game into a tiebreak.
However the 16-time major winner had all the answers as he took out the opening set and carried his momentum into the second set where he broke his Spanish opponent in the opening game.
As it looked as though Federer would be getting on top Nadal incredibly swung the momentum his way and reeled off five of the next six games to take the second set and even up the contest.
The third set was an unusual affair as both men looked to have the momentum at different stages but failed to take their opportunities as the set headed for a tiebreak where Nadal dominated to take a two set to one lead.
Nadal who claimed the tiebreak 7-5 after at one stage leading it 6-1 was seemingly on his way to his first final at the year’s first grand slam since taking all before him three years ago after claiming that third set.
But to Federer’s credit the former world number one and current world number three didn’t lie down and took it up to his more emotional opponent who produced the all important break in the ninth game of the set and served it out in the next game.
Nadal, who advanced to his fourth consecutive grand slam final will now take on the winner of the other semi-final between world number one Novak Djokovic and close mate and fourth seed Andy Murray which will be played on Friday night.
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