Here’s Russell Jackson’s match report from Melbourne:
Nadal dropped to his knees at the end of that win, an understandable reaction after a fine win over the world No3. After all his injury problems, he’s back in the last four of a grand slam and based on this performance, it’s safe to say that he’s back to somewhere near his best. He faces Grigor Dimitrov on Friday. But there’s another semi-final to get out of the way first: Stan Wawrinka versus Roger Federer. What odds we see the first Federer-Nadal final since the 2011 French Open? Now that would be something. Don’t rule out Wawrinka or Dimitrov, though. It’s all to play for! I’ll be back with coverage of the first semi-final tomorrow. Until then. Bye.
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Rafa Nadal wins 6-4, 7-6, 6-4!
Nadal is three points away from victory when he waits for a Raonic approach and blasts a backhand beyond him for 0-15. He’s two points from victory when Raonic nets a backhand. One point after a drop shot finishes off a wondrous rally in which he seized control with a forehand down the line. Facing three match points, Raonic is in a hole. He charges to the net again. Nadal can’t beat him with two passing shots. But he can reach the second volley. He stoops to curl a forehand down the line, just before the second bounce, and Raonic can only net a high volley! That’s it! All over! An ecstatic Rafa Nadal is through to the last four after a magnificent performance and Milos Raonic is off to lick his wounds!
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Third set: Nadal* 6-4, 7-6, 5-4 Raonic (*denotes server): Nadal holds to love. He’s a game away from a semi-final against Grigor Dimitrov. There\s been no drop in effort from Raonic, but it’s difficult to detect much conviction at the moment.
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Third set: Nadal 6-4, 7-6, 4-4* Raonic (*denotes server): Raonic is in a solid position at 30-0. Or so it seems. At 30-15, Nadal toys with him at the net, pulling him this way and that before dinking one last shot beyond him for 30-all. A Raonic ace makes it 40-30, though, and he holds when Nadal sends a slice wide.
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Third set: Nadal* 6-4, 7-6, 4-3 Raonic (*denotes server): Nadal holds to 15. This set is whizzing by. Nadal only needs one break. Raonic’s best hope of staying alive looks like dragging this to another tie-break.
Third set: Nadal 6-4, 7-6, 3-3 Raonic* (*denotes server): The commentators are suggesting that Raonic is struggling with an injury, stirring memories of his semi-final defeat to Murray last year. He’s hanging on grimly, willing his way to 40-30 when Nadal misses a backhand. The game goes to deuce, but Raonic manages to hold with a big serve. He’s not out of this yet.
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Third set: Nadal* 6-4, 7-6, 3-2 Raonic (*denotes server): Nadal’s in charge at 40-0, although a double-fault briefly delays him. He eventually holds to 30.
Third set: Nadal 6-4, 7-6, 2-2 Raonic* (*denotes server): Nadal wallops a venomous forehand down the line, moving into a 0-15 lead, but two scratchy shots hand the next two points to Raonic, who ends up holding to 15.
Third set: Nadal* 6-4, 7-6, 2-1 Raonic (*denotes server): Raonic hangs his head after watching yet another Nadal forehand zoom past him. Nadal holds to 15.
Third set: Nadal 6-4, 7-6, 1-1 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic displays impressive resilience to hold to 30 with a backhand volley. At least his head hasn’t dropped.
Third set: Nadal* 6-4, 7-6, 1-0 Raonic (*denotes server): Nadal holds to love. Raonic looks sad. This is a recurring problem for him - in the biggest matches, against the likes of Djokovic, Murray and Nadal, he’s yet to display a killer instinct. He did it against Federer at Wimbledon, though it must be pointed out that the Swiss rather let that match go.
Rafa Nadal wins the second set 7-6 to lead 6-4, 7-6!
Second set tie-break: Nadal 9-7 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic lines up a forehand – but it clips the top of the net and flies wide! Nadal snatches his first opportunity and gives Raonic a lesson in ruthlessness in the process. The Spaniard leads by two sets and it’s long way back from here for Raonic, who couldn’t take six set points, even double-faulting on one of them.
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Second set tie-break: Nadal* 8-7 Raonic (*denotes server): Raonic nets a lame backhand return. Nadal has his first set point.
Second set tie-break: Nadal* 7-7 Raonic (*denotes server): Raonic wastes it with a wild forehand. It wasn’t close.
Second set tie-break: Nadal 6-7 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic earns another set point with a smash.
Second set tie-break: Nadal 6-6 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic sends a first serve long. Muttering in the crowd. Then he does exactly the same with a second serve! That’s five set points he’s squandered now and that was the first one on his racquet!
Second set tie-break: Nadal* 5-6 Raonic (*denotes server): Nadal saves the first, serving down the middle and forcing Raonic to go long with a backhand.
Second set tie-break: Nadal* 4-6 Raonic (*denotes server): A stupendous, Murray-esque topspin forehand lob from Raonic, who defended so well, brings up two set points!
Second set tie-break: Nadal 4-5 Raonic* (*denotes server): But not for long. Nadal picks Raonic off with a backhand pass.
Second set tie-break: Nadal 3-5 Raonic* (*denotes server): A crisp volley from Raonic puts him in command.
Second set tie-break: Nadal* 3-4 Raonic (*denotes server): Nadal goes for the forehand down the line, but Raonic reads it and reaches it with a fabulous volley this time. Nadal scampers from left to right and hooks it back, but Raonic is in the right position to win the point with an overhead!
Second set tie-break: Nadal* 3-3 Raonic (*denotes server): Raonic sends a backhand return long.
Second set tie-break: Nadal 2-3 Raonic* (*denotes server): Nadal goes long again, this time with a backhand.
Second set tie-break: Nadal 2-2 Raonic* (*denotes server): A lengthy rally ends with Nadal ballooning a forehand.
Second set tie-break: Nadal* 2-1 Raonic (*denotes server): Raonic disappointingly nets a backhand when he was on top in the rally.
Second set tie-break: Nadal* 1-1 Raonic (*denotes server): Nadal punches a forehand down the line.
Second set tie-break: Nadal 0-1 Raonic* (*denotes server): Nadal lets rip with a forehand, but he puts too much behind it and sends it long.
Second set: Nadal* 6-4, 6-6 Raonic (*denotes server): Serving to stay in the set again, Nadal is clenching his fist after making a preposterous forehand down the line on the run. Raonic appeared to have done enough with some expert volleying. At 30-15, Nadal nails an ace. The umpire, who’s already given him a time violation, calls a fault. She’s wrong. Oops. Nadal holds. We’ll have a tie-break.
Second set: Nadal 6-4, 5-6 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic is grimacing after 30-0 becomes 30-all. After seeing those set points come and go, this could go south quickly for the Canadian. But he steels himself, relies on his serve and holds to 30. Over to you, Rafa.
Second set: Nadal* 6-4, 5-5 Raonic (*denotes server): Serving to stay in the set, Nadal finds himself trailing 0-15 after missing a forehand. A fine return from Raonic makes it 0-30 and Nadal’s frown deepens. For the first time in the match, Raonic might be in business. He’s had to be patient. Here’s his chance. Here it is! Another odd miss from Nadal hands Raonic two set points! Nadal saves the first with a vicious serve, Raonic unable to do anything with a forehand, and he gets away with the second! A couple of tight shots scrape the net and Raonic should pounce, only for the world No3 to send a backhand wide. There’s still hope for Raonic, though, and he has a third set point after an atrocious drop shot from Nadal, who makes up for it with a trademark missile of a forehand down the line. What a contrast between those two shots. A third break point saved, Nadal goes on to hold, defending superbly to force errors from Raonic.
Second set: Nadal 6-4, 4-5 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic is in a spot of bother after netting a forehand to make it 0-15, but Nadal surprisingly sends a miscued backhand long to make it 15-all. A shocking forehand from Raonic, who swings wildly at this one, makes it 15-30, and Nadal thinks he’s got two break points after nailing a forehand pass. Raonic thinks otherwise and so does HawkEye. An erratic, messy game drifts to deuce, but Raonic holds after raising his level. Nadal will serve to stay in the set.
Second set: Nadal* 6-4, 4-4 Raonic (*denotes server): A rather desperate challenge from Raonic at 30-0. His forehand looked out and HawkEye confirms that it was. That felt pointless from the Canadian, a waste of a challenge. He consoles himself with a dismissive slapped forehand return for 40-15, but Nadal holds with a sharp forehand winner.
Second set: Nadal 6-4, 3-4 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic holds to 15. He’s much more comfortable on serve now.
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Second set: Nadal* 6-4, 3-3 Raonic (*denotes server): Raonic returns after that medical timeout, sprinting to the baseline in readiness to receive serve from Nadal. There doesn’t appear to be any strapping on Raonic, so it’s not clear what’s ailing him at the moment, other than the ferocious excellence of his opponent, plus his own wastefulness at times. At 0-15, he misses a huge opportunity for a 0-30 lead, only to jab a backhand into the net with Nadal there for the taking. He’s in with a shout at 30-all, but Nadal manages to creep into a 40-30 lead when Raonic nets a volley off a backhand down the line. Raonic is annoyed with himself and rightly so, because Nadal holds to 30 with a big forehand down the line.
There’s a stoppage in play as both players leave the court. Nadal is back first after taking a comfort break, but there’s no sign of Raonic, who appears to be taking a medical time out. There’s talk that he might have tweaked something.
Second set: Nadal 6-4, 2-3 Raonic* (*denotes server): Every time there’s a chance for Nadal to make a pass, he seems to pull it off. A backhand down the line makes it 30-15, Raonic looking back in despair at the net. Raonic still has a cushion, though, and a strong second serve makes it 40-15, Nadal framing his return. Raonic holds to 15.
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Second set: Nadal* 6-4, 2-2 Raonic (*denotes server): Nadal holds to 15, a splendid backhand pass polishing off a comfortable game.
Second set: Nadal 6-4, 1-2 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic moves into a 30-0 lead. Nadal yanks him back, though, a couple of stupendous points making it 30-all. He can’t quite earn a break point, though, missing a backhand by inches. He doesn’t challenge and Raonic holds when Nadal shanks a return.
@JacobSteinberg it's Rafa vs Roger in Aus open Final. And Rafa is going to win it in 5 gruelling sets. And we would marvel at both of them
— Siddhant Guru (@Siddhantguru) January 25, 2017
Second set: Nadal* 6-4, 1-1 Raonic (*denotes server): A lengthy rally at 30-15 and Raonic lifts his spirits by skelping a forehand from right to left for 30-all, Nadal nowhere near it this time. Nadal’s undeterred, a vicious forehand winner making it 40-30, but he’s not in the next rally and Raonic is more aggressive, hitting his forehand confidently to force deuce. Then he earns his first break point of the match, moving in and watching contentedly as Nadal drags a forehand wide. Nadal, bouncing furiously, is given a time violation before serving. No problem. He serves well to ensure Raonic nets a backhand return. Nadal thinks he’s held with a backhand down the line, but Raonic thinks it was long and HawkEye agrees. This is turning into a struggle for Nadal, who is back to deuce again after a double-fault. Still it ends in frustration for Raonic, though, who can’t break.
Second set: Nadal 6-4, 0-1 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic makes it 40-0 with some solid serving, but there are no easy games for the Canadian at the moment. He’s under such pressure from the relentless Nadal. But he holds to 15 when the Spaniard nets a forehand.
Rafa Nadal wins the first set 6-4!
Serving for the set, Nadal starts impressively, volleying accurately. He nets a forehand to make it 15-all, but Raonic is frustrated after netting a backhand, and Nadal earns two set points with a crunching forehand winner. Another brilliant forehand softens Raonic up and although the frazzled Canadian hoicks the ball back over the net, that only sets Nadal up for a withering smash.
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First set: Nadal 5-4 Raonic* (*denotes server): After 36 minutes, Raonic is serving to stay in the set, and he’s 0-15 down when Nadal wallops a remorseless forehand down the line. Raonic reaches for the old faithful. Three consecutive aces make it 40-15. Nadal isn’t quite done yet, though, a searing backhand return making it 40-30. But Raonic holds with his fourth ace of the game. Nadal will serve for the set.
First set: Nadal* 5-3 Raonic (*denotes server): Two laser guided forehands from Nadal make it 30-0. Raonic will be in trouble if Nadal keeps making those. The Spaniard holds to 15 and moves a game away from the first set.
@JacobSteinberg "keep it on his laces" wud be the advice I'd be throwing at Rafa as 4 Richard K to MR "be uber aggressive"! 5 sets? Please!
— John McEnerney (@MackerOnTheMed) January 25, 2017
First set: Nadal 4-3 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic makes it 15-0 with a fine serve, but Nadal hits back, charging forward to whip a backhand down the line for 15-all. It’s 15-30 when Nadal returns a 141mph body serve and Raonic rushes a forehand long. Nadal is beginning to play brilliantly and he earns two break points with a stunning backhand pass from right to left. He only needs one. Raonic flips a forehand deep into the right corner at the net, but an awkward defensive lob from Nadal causes all sorts of problems and the Canadian, lurching backwards with extreme unease, shanks a smash miles long! Nadal breaks. What a game from the Spaniard.
First set: Nadal* 3-3 Raonic (*denotes server): Nadal blitzes through this game, holding to love.
First set: Nadal 2-3 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic looks to have this game under lock and key at 30-0, but a couple of tentative shots let Nadal back in. Offered encouragement, Nadal seizes the first break point, looping a forehand down the line that forces Raonic to lift a volley wide. The Spaniard can’t take it, however, netting a backhand pass from right to left. He covers his face with his hands in an attempt to hide his disappointment, which only serves to magnify it. Raonic hangs on, knocking a backhand volley down the line.
First set: Nadal* 2-2 Raonic (*denotes server): Nadal double-faults to make it 0-15 and there’s a sharp intake of breath in the crowd. Then comes a stunning rally. Raonic is on the attack for most of it, but Nadal produces some almighty defending to repel his advances, before seizing control with a huge forehand. Raonic blocks it at the net, but the ball sits up for Nadal to thrash a forehand away for 15-all. The next two points are shared and Raonic looks up for this. The intensity is rising and so’s the quality. Nadal spears a backhand down the line for 40-30; an inside-out forehand that scorches the line from Raonic makes it deuce. Nadal knuckles down to hold, though.
First set: Nadal 1-2 Raonic* (*denotes server): After that dodgy opening service game, Raonic looks more controlled here, smashing for a 30-0 lead, volleying proficiently for a 40-0 lead. He holds comfortably.
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First set: Nadal* 1-1 Raonic (*denotes server): Nadal swiftly skips into a 30-0 lead, Raonic missing a couple of forehands. Raonic’s aim has been off so far. It’s 40-0 when he spanks a backhand into the net and Nadal holds when Raonic lifts a slice long.
First set: Nadal 0-1 Raonic* (*denotes server): The fourth and final men’s quarter-final is underway and it’s Milos Raonic to open the serving. He begins a little shakily, charging to the net but hitting the top of the net with a forehand that squirts long for 0-15. Raonic settles himself down by winning the next three points, only to give Nadal an opening with a double-fault. Nadal doesn’t need a second invitation to spank a forehand return down the line for deuce. After a tense, uneven struggle, Raonic manages to hold, unconvincingly but safely in the end.
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Tok! Tok! Tok! They’re knocking up. Nadal leads their head-to-head 6-2, but Raonic has belief after that recent win in Brisbane. This is fascinatingly poised.
Here come the players! Nadal receives the slightly bigger cheer.
The intriguing subplot before this match is that Nadal has hired one of Raonic’s former coaches, Carlos Moya. How much of an impact will that development play on proceedings? Moya will certainly be able to give Nadal plenty of tips about Raonic’s game. Raonic will hope that his new coach, Richard Krajiceck, has a few aces up his sleeve, though.
Rafa Nadal speaks. “It’s going to be a tough match for me sure ... hopefully for him too. In Brisbane he beat me, but at the same time it was close, I was a set up. You are playing with a lot of pressure because his serve is huge and he is playing very aggressive from the baseline.
Milos Raonic speaks. “I’ve got to dictate, I’ve got to play my game. I’ve got to clean a few things up, but it’s a new day and I’m ready to fight.”
The winner of this match will play Grigor Dimitrov, who beat David Goffin in straight sets earlier. Nadal and Dimitrov had a memorable quarter-final in Melbourne three years ago, back when the Bulgarian looked likely to become the next star of the men’s game. That hasn’t quite happened for Dimitrov, but he’s showing new signs of maturity at the moment and has taken the opportunity presented to him by Novak Djokovic’s early exit. He was due to play Djokovic in the fourth round.
Preamble
Hello. As the world No3 and the highest ranked player left in the men’s draw, Milos Raonic should be feeling pretty damn confident about this one. A quarter-final against the world No9, who failed to get past the first week of any grand slam last year and who has only just returned from a serious wrist injury, shouldn’t test him too much. Three sets, nice and easy, into the last four Milos goes. They might as well hand him the trophy now.
Wouldn’t it be lovely if life was that simple? It rarely is, of course, and Raonic needs no one to emphasise how tough the next few hours are going to be, because standing in the Canadian’s way is none other than a resurgent Rafael Nadal, who has been in ominous form in Melbourne. Though the Spaniard no longer hits the heights of his pomp these days, he was outstanding in his first four matches, save for a minor early wobble against an inspired Alex Zverev in the third round, and he’s looking fit, sharp, lighter and in the mood to win his 15th major. It’s great to see Nadal back after all his injury problems and Raonic is likely to have his work cut out getting past him.
But don’t underestimate Raonic. Having gone to great lengths to add more variety and better movement to a game that was a little too reliant on that huge serve in the past, he is a fearsome proposition for anyone now and it does seem it’s only a matter of time before he wins his first slam. Recent history is on his side as well – he beat Nadal in Brisbane recently. But that might not count for much against a legend of the sport.
Play begins at: 8.30am in London, 7.30pm in Melbourne.
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