Nadal sets up Federer showdown
January 24, 2012 13:47:46 UK
Legendary rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will meet in the last four of the Australian Open after both men impressed in their quarter-final victories.
Federer was in imperious form as he swept away Juan Martin Del Potro 6-4 6-3 6-2 and the Swiss maestro is now 1001.00 to win a fifth title in Melbourne and a 17th Grand Slam title in total, while he is 1.57 to defeat Nadal in the semi-finals.
"I'm moving well, I'm serving well, I'm hitting the ball clean," Federer told the ATP Tour's official website.
I had a lot of intensity and that's important in big matches.
Rafael Nadal
"From now on basically it's only night sessions, so it's going to change now. It's going to be more athletic and tougher. I'm ready for that."
Meanwhile, Nadal was pushed a little harder by Tomas Berdych, but eventually won through 6-7 7-6 6-4 6-3, improving as the match went on to finish in superb style.
The Spaniard, the 2009 Australian champion, is 2.37 to win a second title in Melbourne and 2.50 to see off his great rival Federer to reach the final.
Nadal said after subduing the threat of Berdych: "It was an intense battle, so I'm very happy with how I finished my match physically. I had a lot of intensity and that's important in big matches."
Federer and Nadal have met 26 times in the past, with the Spaniard holding a 17-9 career advantage.
Their only previous meeting in Melbourne came in the 2009 final when Nadal eventually prevailed 7-5 3-6 7-6 3-6 6-2 in a five-set classic.
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