Rafael Nadal will be looking to deny Tomas Berdych a first Australian Open semi-final when they meet on Tuesday night.
Nadal has made the most of his great draw, reaching the last eight without dropping a set and it was predictably easy for him against Feliciano Lopez in the fourth round.
The second seed has been delighted with how little energy he's had to expend on the court. "Physically it's important," he said. "It's positive winning in three sets. The most positive thing is the feeling is positive during all the tournament and happy about how I am playing and enjoying the tournament. I'm in quarterfinals. That's very good news."
In contrast, while Berdych's English is better in press conferences, he's been made to toil on court at times. However after his 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6 win over Nicolas Almagro, most of the attention focused on the Czech's decision not to shake hands with Almagro after the match as well as Almagro's insinuation that Berdych has issues with the Spanish players.
Berdych explained that he was furious at Almagro's decision to strike a short forehand straight at his body, striking him in the arm.
It's going to be a tough ask for the Czech as he's lost his last nine matches with Nadal - three times in 2010 and again at last year's Miami Masters. Does Berdych believe he can take out the 2009 champion ? We're not sure.
"I saw some play of Rafa, and he's looking really strong," Berdych told the press. "And as he's shown, you know, he's a great tennis player. Deserves to be in the position that he is, maybe even higher. So, you know, for me it's gonna be extremely tough."
Prediction: Nadal in three.
