Rafael Nadal is back to the Australian Open semi-finals after three years. It was pretty clear from the beginning of this Australian Open that the Spanish warrior was back to high levels and he gave a straightforward confirmation of that today against Milos Raonic in the quarters. The Canadian was constantly outplayed during the rallies, and Rafa was extremely effective in neutralizing the first serves of the world no.3. It wasn’t a walk in the park for the King of Clay, especially in the second set when he had to save 3 set points in the tiebreak (2 consecutive when he was 4-6 down), but eventually his superior tennis made the difference. The match ended 6-4 7-6 (7) 6-4 for the Mallorcan.

He’s BACK!

Rafa #Nadal through to the semis of the #AusOpen. pic.twitter.com/gFsez3oNqX

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2017

Excited to be here. NADAL

After the match, Rafa commented

“Just excited about be back in final rounds of the most important events. You know, I am here to try to make this, no?

When you have doubts you feel ready to work more. I’ve had a great career but lots of tough moments.”

There was not too much for me. RAONIC

Milos admitted that, besides the opportunities he had in the second set tiebreak, he didn;t have much in this contest. The Canadian commented

“There were some opportunities in the second set, other than that; there wasn’t much for me to hold onto.

I think the first two [set points], he hit one good serve well, and the other one I didn’t cover the serve, I should have covered. Then, after that, I think I rushed in the tie-break.

I made two pretty poor mistakes off balls that didn’t have much [on them] in the middle of the court on my forehand side.” 

The semi vs. Dimitrov

Rafa will play Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the final. The head to head is 7-1 for Rafa, but only 2-1 on hard court and Grigor has won the last match in Shanghai.

Game on!