Rafael Nadal defeats Grigor Dimitrov to face Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal has beaten Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (4), 6-4 to advance to the final of the Australian Open and set up a title match with his old rival, Roger Federer.

"The crowd was just amazing," Nadal said. "many many thanks for the huge support. Both weeks have been unforgettable for me.

"Now is the moment to be very happy, having a fantastic match. Great quality of tennis tonight."

The ninth-seeded Spaniard fought off two break points in the eighth game of the fifth set, then hit a backhand winner down the line to break Dimitrov in the next game and take a 5-4 lead. He served it out in the next game to win in 4 hours, 56 minutes.

"I'm very happy for me, and very happy for him (Federer), because we are going to be in a very nice moment," Nadal said.

"It's special to play with Roger again in the final of a Grand Slam. I cannot lie." 

Nadal improved his record in Grand Slam semifinals to an impressive 21-3 and advanced to his fourth Australian Open final. He's only won the title at Melbourne Park once in 2009.

"The combination of two different styles that makes the matches really special," Nadal said on his rivalry with Federer. 

Nadal has a 23-11 head-to-head match record against Federer and a 6-2 advantage in Grand Slam finals. Federer hasn't beaten Nadal in a major final since Wimbledon in 2007.