Audio By Carbonatix
Rafael Nadal set up a much-anticipated Australian Open final against old rival Roger Federer with an epic, five-set semi-final win over Grigor Dimitrov.
The Spaniard won 6-3 5-7 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 in almost five hours to reach a first Grand Slam final since 2014.
Dimitrov's wait to reach a maiden Slam final continues after Nadal, 30, inflicted his first defeat of the year.
Nadal, who is attempting to win a 15th major title, will face Swiss rival Federer, 35, in Melbourne on Sunday.
"I never dreamed to be back in the final of the Australian Open," said Nadal.
"It is a very special thing for both of us to be playing again in a major final. Neither of us probably thought we would be here again."
He will meet Federer, who needed five sets to beat compatriot Stan Wawrinka in Thursday's first semi-final, in Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena at 08:30 GMT.
Latest Stories
-
Zelensky signals progress in talks with US on peace plan
27 minutes -
Don’t scrap OSP – Anti-corruption CSO demands review
4 hours -
GIS, EU vow closer security cooperation to boost northern border control
4 hours -
IGP leads major show of force with new armoured fleet
6 hours -
Two female prison officers killed in ghastly crash
6 hours -
Abolish or Reform? Abu Jinapor counsels sober reflection on debate over future of Special Prosecutor’s Office
8 hours -
2026 World Cup: Can Ghana navigate England, Croatia, and Panama in Group L?
8 hours -
NAIMOS task force arrests 9 Chinese illegal miners, destroys equipment at Dadieso
8 hours -
NAIMOS advances into Atiwa Forest, uncovers child labour, river diversion and heavy machinery
9 hours -
NAIMOS Task Force storms Fanteakwa South, dismantles galamsey operations
9 hours -
The Kissi Agyebeng Removal Bid: A Look at the Numbers
10 hours -
DVLA to roll out digitised accident reports, new number plates and 24-hour services
10 hours -
DVLA Workers’ Union opens 2025 Annual Residential Delegates Congress with call for excellence, equity and solidarity
11 hours -
Scholarships Secretariat sets December 8–9 interviews for Commonwealth Scholarship applicants
11 hours -
WASSCE decline reveals deep gaps, there’s need to overhaul education system – Franklin Cudjoe
11 hours