(BBC) 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.
Rafa 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.
Rafa, who is bidding for a 15th major title, will face Swiss rival Roger Federer in Melbourne on Sunday.
After the match, Rafa said:
It’s difficult to describe the emotions. First of all, I was tired. Grigor was playing unbelievable. It was a great match. I feel very happy to be a part of it. I enjoy it. The crowd was just amazing. Many, many thanks for that huge support. To qualify for the final like this means a lot to me.
When you work hard, when you have some tough moments… last year was tough for me. It takes a while to come back to the level that you had when you were playing well. Roland Garros was a tough moment. I worked a lot during this month and a half at home. I never dreamed to be back in the final of the Australian Open. … but, here I am.
On the dream final against Federer: For me, it’s a privilege. It’s a special thing for both of us to be in a major final again. After a couple of years having problems. I have been with Roger… We feel lucky. (via Australian Open)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal takes a snack during a break in his semifinal against Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts after winning the third set against Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Former Spanish tennis player Carlos Moya (bottom) and Xisca Perello (top), the girlfriend of Spain’s Rafael Nadal, cheer as they watch him play against Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov during their men’s singles semi-final match on day 12 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2017. / AFP / Greg Wood
Rafael Nadal of Spain fixes his head band in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Xisca Perello watches the semi final match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain talks to the umpire while changing shirts between games in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain changes his shirt between games in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – early 28/1/17 Spain’s Rafael Nadal falls onto the court as he celebrates winning his Men’s singles semi-final match against Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov. REUTERS/Jason Reed TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov -during their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, early Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – early 28/1/17 Spain’s Rafael Nadal falls onto the court as he celebrates winning his Men’s singles semi-final match against Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov. REUTERS/Jason Reed TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning match point in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov during their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, early Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – early 28/1/17 Spain’s Rafael Nadal consoles Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov after winning his Men’s singles semi-final match. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Spain’s Rafael Nadal (R) speaks with Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov after Nadal’s victory in their men’s singles semi-final match on day 12 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2017. / AFP / Greg Wood / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal,right, is embraced by Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov after winning their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Xisca Perello watches the semi final match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov during their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, early Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov during their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, early Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning match point in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning match point in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning match point in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning match point in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain walks off court after winning match point in his semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day 12 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 26, 2017 – Source: Pat Scala/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafa what a amazing performance we are so happy for you I live in Florida we were up since 3:30 to 8:30 i cried tears of happiness for you and for me because I your number 1 fan. Todo mi amor para el domingo
Rafa what a spectacular Mach ,you play on a whole other level love it ,good luck on the finals you can do it this year 2017 is your,can’t wait WACHING THE FINALS.vamosssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss🎾🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾
Great match and played by both players but at end the best player won
And to the loser that he is giving “the finger down” to every comment…that…..a pathetic loser lol
What a spectacular tour de force performance by Rafa. My heart was skipping quite a few beats during the fifth set. Luckily I recovered due to Rafa’s sensational victory.
I also want to congratulate Grigor. He played magnificently especially since he never played a 5 setter before. I am so happy for him. I feel he is finally reaching his full potential and eventually he’ll reach a GS final in the near future. Also congrats to his coach, Danny Valverdu for his great coaching efforts.
Honestly the match was just breath-taking whether ahead or behind, Rafa’s fighting spirit
is on a whole other level. Loved it!
Also, I think Rafa gets his beautiful smile from his dad. Here’s to a great rest and recovery period before the main event against the other living legend, Roger!
Vamos!
wonder what happened to the Looney Prophet, aka Maria(Siberia) who predicted a Dimitrov final win …… lol
Aww, don’t be too hard on her, she did include Roger in the list of players with whom she was impressed. A list that named most of those who were left at that time. LOL. Curiously, Rafa’s name didn’t appear anywhere except for within the insult.
Her grandiose statement about “….here is my long-awaited (long awaited??? by whom??) prediction for the remainder of the tournament and eventual winner,” led me to believe she had inside information. (Joking) I hope she didn’t quit her day job.
RAFA ROCKS
I do not see Maria (Siberia) as a true Rafa fan. A few backhanded compliments and a lot of negativity. However she is entitled to her opinions.
Regarding Rafa’s match against Dimitrov I was in a state of nervous exhaustion through the whole five hours, one minute full of hope for a Rafa win and the next preparing myself for a Rafa loss. Both players showed amazing talent and physical and mental strength.
I am thrilled for Rafa and convinced that his ending his 2016 year early to fully recover from his wrist injury was a wise move. Likewise for Roger. after knee surgery. Now they are back for a wonderful final. I only hope Rafa can recover from his totally exhausting semi-final in time to play at his best at the final.
Congratulations to Dimitrov for his brilliant display against Rafa. His turn to win a grand slam will not be too far off if he continues to perform like this.
you assume she has a day-job? hahahahaha
(Giggles a lot) You are ruthless euclild. hehe
Am I surprised you won, Rafa? No. And yes, my heart is filled with joy for you. True, the match was tougher than I thought it would be but I knew you would find your way to the final. I expect that this year be your 2013 redux or better.
RAFA ROCKS
Rafa will lose the final anyway :(. I guarantee it.
Go to root to your fav, he needs you more…..haha
A truly great match. So glad I set the alarm for 4 AM and took the day off work! I’m not as nice as Rafa, I’ll say it is obviously unfair to have 1 player have 1 less day to recover all for the sake of tv ratings. Hopefully 2009 will repeat itself. Rafa was oh so close 2 other times, up 4-2 in the 5th against Djoker and his back going out against Stan.Please tennis gods!!
People….😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 He did it!!!! I will never recover from this match. Never.
Fedallica, you have to recover for his next championship final. Do you want to miss that?
Yay Rafa!!
Wooow what a match! Whoever won this totally deserved it, but I am happy it was Rafa, of course! What wonderful resistance by Dimitrov! I hope he plays like this going forward, and his potential will be realized.
So, rest for Rafa, and the Prince of Tennis Federer awaits on Sunday!!
You did it. Amazing!!! So happy for you. Vamoooooss Rafa <3
What a heartbreaking match!!!
Nicely done Rafa!
Roger is in advantage cuz he has 2 days off instead of 1. But well that’s not the big problem.
I believe Grigor is much more dangerous than Roger. His backhand is unpredictable. But you passed him.
The number 15 is in your hand. The history of achieving Double Career Grandslam is your hand.
Go get it!
YES! Rafa you did it 🎾💪🏼😅 – So very happy for you sweetheart 😃❤ Can’t wait watching the final between you and Roger 😍😊🌟 It’s legendary 💖🤗 Good luck 😘🍀
VAMOS❣️🏆☺️
No, we are the privileged ones!😜Dimitrov played his brains out, but, you-you were so tough, so confident. There were moments I could not watch🙈but all is right with the universe. Mystery. Magic. Pure drama. No one could have dreamed these finals!! Serena. Venus. Roger. Rafael. Tennis nirvana☯️☯️☯️☯️
Yea, Serena. This is a win-win❣️
Bravisima!!You made my day!Great Good Luck in the Final💚
Just one last surge rafa and you will be the only man in the open era to have won each slam twice. It’s only the ao which is holding you back so go and bloody win it! If not, Roger and novak have a chance to do it at roland garros. Go get it 1st!
Congratulation Rafa,
I am so happy for you.Continue with your current form and Sunday will be your day, though you are playing against your friend Roger and long time rival.
Rafa go on.
Its a beautiful morning……..
Yes, even though I was up since 3:30am this morning, and late to work. It is still a beautiful beautiful morning!
Can just say “Thank you very much, Rafa”. You bring so much to the tennis world: your incredible passion, fight, and talent (yes, talent!). We’re so proud of you, and grateful to you! One point, one game, one set, and one match a time, you’re back to the top, where you belong forever (no matter what the ranking says)! Good luck on Sunday!
Grigor, today you showed a lot of heart, a lot of fight, and a lot of talent too! Hope to see you conquer the biggest mountain soon (as long as it’s not at Rafa’s expense. :-)).
CONGRATULATIONS RAFA….
RAFA ROCKS
Fighting till the end. Thats Rafa. Saved 75% break points. Tension left my heart frozen. My Eyes full of tears. I wish rafa full recovery from the long tiring match.
Vamos vamos vamos, what a resemblance to 2009. Now let the outcome be the same please!!!
Vamos Rafa vamoooooooos you are the best i watched live his tremendous performance.
Congratulations to our champion.