PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal defeats Grigor Dimitrov to reach semifinals at Australian Open

Rafael Nadal defeated Grigor Dimitrov 3-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(7), 6-2 to reach the semifinals in Melbourne. His next opponent will be the winner of the quarterfinal between Roger Federer and Andy Murray.

The first set started out in Dimitrov’s favor, with Rafa down 0-3. Despite winning a couple more of his service games, Dimitrov took the set at 6-3. The second set was more in Rafa’s favor, with an early break to lead 2-0. Dimitrov broke back to even it out, and the set was a nail biter up to the very end, where Rafa took it in a tie breaker at 7-6(3). The third set was dead even until Rafa broke to take a 3-2 lead, but Dimitrov broke back once again to level the set out. The set ended in a nail-biting tie breaker, which Rafa took at 7-6(7). The fourth set started with an early break and a hold for Rafa to gain a lead of 3-0. From then on, the set was Rafa’s, his easiest one this entire match.

What an incredible match! Grigor Dimitrov showed us his mettle and his perseverance. One more win to reach the final. Will it be a Fedal or a Rafandy? Vamos Rafa!

Photos: Getty Images/EFE

10 comments

  1. Rafa, este fue un gran encuentro de tenis. Jugaste mucho en el fondo de la cancha, lo cual te origino correr mucho más de lo debido. El rival, muy completo en su servicio. revés derecha y condición física. Tu experiencia y madurez te ayudó a salir adelante. Intenta subir más a la red y cambia tu ritmo de juego.para desconcertar a tu rival. Ví todo el partido y fue impresionante el juego. ¡Felicitaciones! Vamos Rafa!!!!! saludos desde México.

  2. Role model for the world, such determination!!! Isn’t there a medical supply person/doctor who can come up with a better solution so the racket is secure in this hand???????
    This is your moment, #14!!! Vamos!!

  3. Grandioso Rafa..!!!! Que te mejores de tu manita….We love UUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!

  4. Those blisters, caused by friction between a hard object (racket) and a a soft one (human hands) are exacerbated by a heat and humidity. As Rafa said, he was lucky and indeed blisters could have affected his performance. We keep on praying for his success and health.

  5. Rafa u played fantastic match today . Playing with lot of blisters on hand, u showed ur determination & courage..U are a blessed person on earth. U r nearer goal of equalising pet Sampras’s , record of 14 grand slams. Best Wishes

    • So true he is just a superman of tennis…..Vamos Rafa hoping he will equal Pete record of 14 slam……….

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