AUSTRALIAN OPEN, Melbourne

DAY 12/SEMIFINALS

[9] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. [15] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL).  This match has been highly anticipated since Federer won his match against Stan Wawrinka because many wanted to see a Nadal vs. Federer final.  The odds of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal making it to a Major final, much less this Australian Open were slim to none.  Nadal has been struggling with his form and a wrist injury and there were doubts aplenty since Federer had his knee surgery; plus they both have just returned to the Tour after a long layoff.  The one tournament they both played earlier this year, they lost.

With so many obstacles in their paths to the final, few entertained the possibility they would go very far; yet, after Nadal escaped a five set match against Alexander Zverev and defeated the number six seed, Gael Monfils, many began to hope. However, still looming in his path was the number three seed, Milos Raonic. Once Nadal dispatched of Raonic, many began to believe again in the possibility of a Nadal vs. Federer final.  Now the only person who could prevent that dream final was Dimitrov.  Nadal led their head-to-head 7:1; however, Dimitrov crushed him the last time they played on hard court.

Dimitrov just won the Brisbane International title, his first singles title since 2014 (the year he attained his highest ranking of number eight).  Dimitrov has rediscovered his top ten form, and given the battles they’ve had, the likelihood of Nadal winning this one seemed slim.  However, never discount the determination of Nadal and after dropping the 4th set, he dug deep to win 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-7(4), 6-4.  Despite the loss, it was a valiant effort from Dimitrov.

[2] Mirza/Dodig (IND/CRO) def. Stosur/Groth (AUS) 6-4, 2-6, 10-5

Spears/Cabal (USA/COL) def, Svitolina/Guccione (UKR/AUS) 7-6(1), 6-2

FINAL: WOMEN’S DOUBLES

[2] Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA)/Lucie Safarova (CZE) defeated  [12] Andrea Hlavackova (CZE)/Shuai Peng (CHN) 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3 to win their 4th Major title together.  Congratulations to the dynamic duo!

SOURCE OF IMAGE: Zimbio