Nadal and Federer to meet in semifinals

It was the stroke of midnight when Rafael Nadal thrust both arms up and then punched the air, an extra exuberant celebration after sealing the victory he needed to set up one of the most anticipated Australian Open semifinals ever.
Roger Federer played his part in the previous match on Rod Laver Arena, beating 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in straight sets to formally mark his 1,000th tour-level match.
A Federer-Nadal semifinal had been looming since the draw was made for the season's first major - the first time the pair have been on the same half at a Grand Slam tournament since 2005.
Playing with a new racket and a heavily taped right knee, Nadal was at his demonstrative peak as he came back after losing the first set to beat No. 7-ranked Tomas Berdych 6-7 (5), 7-6 (6), 6-4, 6-3 Tuesday.
Yelling "Vamos," disputing line calls, pumping his arms after winning big points and bounding around like a hyperactive kid, Nadal ripped 57 winners against Berdych, including 34 on his forehand side in a 4-hour, 16-minute demonstration of intimidation.

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal lost his match to Monfils

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal lost his match to Monfils 6-3, 6-4 in Doha. Rafa his playing really well again, his forehand is looking good as his movement. The serve got more bite, Iexpect major achievements again for Rafa Nadal this year.Just a few of my favorites photos from the match

No. 4 seed Gael Monfils set up an All-French final at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open Friday, defeating World No. 2 Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-4 in Doha. Monfils will meet countryman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Saturday’s title match. "It's always really tough to play against Jo because he has a powerful game, and kind of game [where] it's tough to manipulate him from the baseline," Monfils said.

"I need just to focus on my game and focus on my mind. It's always tougher to be like this in the final against a friend. You want to show him you're the best, and sometimes, you're going too fast, and sometimes you're a bit shaky. You have to find a balance."