Rafa Nadal wins thriller, sets up dream showdown with Roger Federer

The Spanish ninth seed, chasing a first Major since 2014, edged a pulsating contest 6-3 5-7 7-6(5) 6-7(4) 6-4 in just under five hours.

Dimitrov threatened to shatter the neutral’s hopes of a Nadal-Federer final as his outstanding blend of offensive and defensive tennis – particularly in crunch moments – saw him force his rival into a deciding set.

Opportunities passed both players by in a nervy finale before Nadal’s experience eventually told, the 30-year-old saving two break points to level at 4-4 before breaking in the next game.

He did not relent. As a nothing-to-lose Dimitrov skidded groundstrokes in his direction, the Spaniard quelled the assault to clinch victory on the third match point and slumped to the floor in exhausted delight.

"I always had the confidence that if I am able to win some matches, then anything can happen," Nadal told reporters.

Nadal will move into outright second in the men’s all-time Slam list with victory over Federer in Sunday’s showdown, while he is also bidding to become the first player in the Open Era to win each Major twice.

The final is throwback to old times, with the famous foes last contesting a Grand Slam final at the 2011 French Open. Nadal will fancy his chances of closing on the 17-time champion, with their final record reading 6-2 in his favour – including victory at the 2009 Australian Open.

Shut out of the Grand Slam semi-finals for two years, Nadal felt at rock-bottom at Roland Garros last year where the nine-time champion was a shock withdrawal after the third round, his injured wrist finally giving way after being propped up by painkilling injections.

Although sidelined from the game, Nadal spent time off the court productively, opening his tennis academy in his home island Mallorca in October with the help of Federer.

The pair were supposed to play an exhibition match but Federer was also hobbled by a knee injury.

"No, in that moment, for sure we never thought that we had the chance to be, again, in a final, and especially in the first of the year," he said. "It's happened.

What seemed implausible a fortnight ago is now a reality: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will contest the Australian Open final.