Rafael Nadal makes Australian Open final

AUSTRALIAN OPEN: Well, so much for my prediction that Roger Federer would prevail in four sets over Rafael Nadal in the semifinals of the Australian Open.

It was Nadal who won in four sets 6-7 (5), 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-4.

Federer had a whopping 63 unforced errors in the match to lose to Nadal for the eighth time in a grand slam match and for the second time at the Australian Open.

Nadal will play either Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray in the final.

“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. Very happy for everything.”

Federer said after the match he thinks his rivalry with Nadal is good for tennis.

“I hope it inspires future generations or other players, being nice to each other on the court and all that stuff … works as well at the highest of levels,” he said. “We also kind of 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.”