Gallery: Rafa Nadal’s Blistering Game Too Much for Federer

By hugree on January 25th, 2014

Rafael Nadal advanced to his 19th major final with a brutal 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 6-3 demolition of archrival Roger Federer and will tomorrow night face the Swiss’ understudy and compatriot Stan Wawrinka. If Nadal handles Wawrinka, he will join American Pete Sampras as the winner of 14 majors to trail only Federer, who has 17 grand slam crowns. And he would become only the third man in history to claim all four majors at least twice after Queenslanders Roy Emerson and Rod Laver. The Spanish bull already has a record eight French Open, two Wimbledon and two US Open titles – and he won the 2009 Melbourne Park trophy. He was overjoyed after dispatching Federer for the 23rd time in 33 meetings. “I think tonight I played my best match of the tournament,” he said, “After missing last year (with injury), it is very special to be back on Rod Laver Arena and into another final. Here’s a closer look at Nadal’s semi-final match.