Nadal beats Federer to reach Australian final

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Only the trophy and the tears were missing from this latest Grand Slam installment of Rafa vs. Roger.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer met in the semifinals of the Australian Open Thursday night, and Nadal was the winner again -- for the eighth time in their 10 Grand Slam matchups.

The Spaniard won, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-4, covering the baseline with incredible speed and hitting forehand winners from almost impossible angles.

He applauded as Federer started to leave the stadium, then ran back onto the court, dropping onto his haunches and pumping his arms in triumph.

Defending champion and No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic will take on Andy Murray Friday for a spot against Nadal in Sunday's final.

Maria Sharapova is chasing her fourth major title, and the No. 1 ranking, when she meets third-seeded Victoria Azarenka in the women's final Saturday. Sharapova beat No. 2 Petra Kvitova, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, to avenge her loss to the 21-year-old Czech in the Wimbledon final last year. Azarenka beat defending champion Kim Clijsters, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.

The latest Grand Slam meeting between Nadal and Federer was a semifinal worthy of a final. Nadal didn't excuse his celebration, but explained it as letting off steam.

"It's a fantastic victory for me. Very, very happy playing against the greatest of the history in semifinals, big match on Rod Laver [Court]," he said. "It's one of the victories that's going to stay in my mind forever. It's a fantastic way to start the season."

Last time the pair met in Australia, Nadal won the 2009 final in five sets. He had to console Federer as he sobbed during the trophy presentation.

"For me it didn't feel any different, you know, a finals or a semis against Rafa," Federer said Thursday night. "It's always an occasion . . . "