Nadal rolls over Raonic to reach semis

The Spaniard joined Roger Federer in the last four, keeping alive the prospect of a dream final between the two great rivals who have claimed 31 grand slam titles between them. Having not reached a major semi-final since his 2014 French Open title, the 30-year-old Nadal produced a match from his halcyon days to fell the third-seeded Canadian in two hours and 44 minutes at a floodlit Rod Laver Arena. Nadal will play 15th seed Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the final.

Dimitrov dismantles Goffin 

Earlier, Grigor Dimitrov dismantled 11th seed David Goffin 6-3 6-2 6-4 in their quarter-final on Wednesday to advance to his second Grand Slam semi-final. The 25-year-old Bulgarian, whose previous grand slam semi-final was at Wimbledon in 2014, will meet either Rafa Nadal or third seed Milosw Raonic in the last four. 

Dimitrov took the first after racing to a 3-0 lead as Goffin blew his opening service game with a double fault and two unforced errors, a pattern that was set for the match. The baseline battle continued in the second set with both players breaking each other’s serve early, but the Bulgarian seized the advantage in the third game with a second break and then again in the seventh when he broke again. 

Dimitrov, seeded 15th, wrapped up the second set with a forehand pass that swerved around Goffin at the net. Dimitrov’s potent forehand got him out of trouble several times as he forced Goffin wide or left him with no shot after landing the ball right at the Belgian’s feet. 

The Bulgarian failed to convert two match points on Goffin’s serve at 5-3 but raced through his next service game to seal the win with a backhand winner down the line after two hours, 12 minutes.