Victory against Berrettini: Nadal is in the final

Thanks to a 6:3, 6:2, 3:6, 6:3 against Italian Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini, Nadal moved into his first Melbourne final in three years on Friday. “It means a lot to me to be here again in the final,” said Nadal when interviewed after his 500th hard court victory at the Rod Laver Arena. In the final on Sunday, the world number five will face the Russian US Open champion Daniil Medvedev or the Greek world number four Stefanos Tsitsipas. The second semi-final takes place on Friday in the night session (9.30 a.m. CET).

Nadal had impressively dominated the duel with Berrettini for two sets, then his strength seemed to weaken, but he fought through. 13 years after his only Australian Open victory to date, Nadal's prospects are bright, provided he is fit enough for another match.

After a month-long break from the tournament and a complicated foot injury, the Spaniard can believe in total triumph: one win missing and the 35-year-old leaving his rivals Djokovic and Roger Federer, who were not present in Melbourne, behind him in the fascinating Grand Slam title race. “For me it’s about the Australian Open – more than anything else,” said Nadal after reaching the final. “I never thought about a second chance in 2022.” Chance for the 21st title Currently all three have 20 trophies each in the four most important tournaments. Melbourne record champion Djokovic was the favorite for Australia, but the unvaccinated Serb had to leave the country before the start of the tournament because of his canceled visa. The Swiss Federer has doubts about his comeback because of his long-term knee problems.

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Victory against Berrettini: Nadal is in the final

What a comeback from Rafael Nadal! The Spanish tennis star is actually reaching for his record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open two weeks after Novak Djokovic's forced departure.

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