Roger Federer Defeated by Rafael Nadal in Australian Open Semi-Final
Roger Federer is now out of the Australian Open after losing in the men's semi-final to Rafael Nadal on Thursday.
Although Federer's hopes of ending his grand slam drought were up after winning the first set, they were quickly diminished after 3h 42m when Nadal won 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, according to the New York Times.
The world no 3 Swiss champion, who has not defeated Nadal since 2007, admitted that the 25-year-old Nadal never fails to challenge him on court.
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"We have had good matches over the years. 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," Federer told Sky Sports.
"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," he added.
Fans had tipped Federer to win against Nadal ,and marked the event as a record 31st consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal for the Swiss pro.
Federer won the 2010 Australian Open, although critics attribute his victory to Nadal's knee injury which ultimately forced the Spaniard to retire.
Federer's first 20 minutes went exceptionally well in his match against Nadal, and the overall match was compelling though Nadal proved to be the stronger player.
"To play against Roger is an honor. I think it was another fantastic match," Nadal told reporters after his win.
"If you had told me that two Sundays ago, I really cannot imagine. It is a dream to be back in another final of the Australian Open," he added.
Nadal will now face either Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray in Sunday night's men's final match.
"I think both players are playing fantastic. Novak is playing fantastic and is coming with confidence.
Andy, if he wants to win that match, he has to play more aggressive than usual. That is my advice, but that is probably not great as I have lost the last six matches against him," Nadal said.
