Nadal reaches last four

Rafael Nadal is through to his first Grand Slam semi-final since 2014 thanks to a 6-4 7-6 6-4 win over third seed Milos Raonic at the Australian Open.

Nadal has been plagued by injury concerns in recent seasons but he has look strong at Melbourne Park and his good form continued as he overcame Raonic in straight sets to reach the last four.

The Spaniard gained a crucial break in the seventh game to take control of the first set but Raonic pushed him all the way in the second. Indeed, the Canadian had six opportunities to win the set but Nadal managed to save each of them to take it to a tie-break.

Having watched his opponent squander six set points, Nadal only needed one to take a two-set lead and put one foot in the semi-finals.

The third set went with serve until the very last game when Raonic failed to win a single point on his own serve to confirm Nadal's win.

"It's normal even when I was winning a lot I had doubts, so you can imagine I had a lot more when I'm not winning and have injuries," Nadal said.

"You're ready to work more ... I had a great career but a lot of tough moments, so that makes me enjoy even more the good moments I have, especially on this unbelievable court.

"(Raonic) beat me two weeks ago in Brisbane, so I decided to go more inside the court on the return. I knew there were going to be tough moments in the match, he has one of the top two serves on the tour and he's able to play so aggressive on the return."

The day's other quarter-final was also completed in straight sets as Grigor Dimitrov defeated David Goffin 6-3 6-2 6-4.

Dimitrov was far too strong for his Belgian opponent, breaking three times, as he booked his place in the last four.

“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Dimitrov reflected. “In the first set, it was absolutely nerve-racking. I was not striking the ball as well as I could.

"I think I was a bit passive, but with each game and with each point I found my groove, so I’m just happy right now.”

He went on: "In order to win a slam, there's no shortcut. I feel like I have all the tools to go further, and my job isn't over yet.

“I'm looking forward to my match on Friday. I think I'm prepared. I think I'm ready to go the distance.”

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