Federer dismisses talk of rift with Nadal

ROGER FEDERER has dismissed suggestions his pre-tournament disagreement with Rafael Nadal would add spice to their Australian Open semi-final.

Federer and Nadal lined up a mouthwatering last-four clash in Melbourne with wins yesterday, Federer thrashing Juan Martin Del Potro and Nadal coming through a much tougher clash against Tomas Berdych. It will be their first meeting since a chink in their friendship appeared prior to the season’s first grand slam, Nadal criticising the Swiss for not speaking up on issues affecting the men’s game.

After his 6-4 6-3 6-2 win over Del Potro, Federer said: “It was here for one day and then gone again”.

Nadal was made to work far harder against seventh seed Berdych before prevailing 6-7 (5/7) 7-6 (8/6) 6-4 6-3 in four hours and 16 minutes.