Reborn Rafa relieved to reverse Slam slide

Rafa Nadal's path to his Australian Open semifinal against Grigor Dimitrov on Friday has taught the 30-year-old Spaniard one thing - he's still got it.

After being bundled out in the first round by compatriot Fernando Verdasco last year, Nadal has made the last four at Melbourne Park for a fifth time in a remarkable turnaround for the 14-time Grand Slam winner.

A barren 2016 saw him fail to reach a Slam final for the first time since 2004, and while he won doubles gold at the Rio Olympics, a wrist injury forced him to call time on his season in early October.

"Very happy that after a lot of work, to be in this round again," Nadal said.

"It's a special thing for me, especially here in Australia.

"So, I'm just excited about being back in final rounds of the most important events. You know, I am here to try to make this. It's always difficult, but I worked hard to try to make that happen."

Hard work has been central to the latter part of Nadal's career, particularly as knee and wrist injuries forced him to miss large chunks of recent seasons.

Questions were raised as to whether he still had the physicality and game to match the likes of Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka and veteran Roger Federer, as well as the new generation coming through.

Nadal's last three rounds in Melbourne have answered those questions emphatically. He saw off 24th seed Alexander Zverev in five sets, sixth seed Gael Monfils in four, and outclassed third seed Milos Raonic in the quarterfinals.

"It's good news. Especially winning against difficult players - Monfils, Zverev and now Raonic. I think all of them are top players," he added.

"I think it's getting tougher now. I think there is really a new, very good generation. So that's very important for me because that means that I am competitive and playing well."

Next up is Dimitrov.

Once tipped as the youngster most likely to challenge the established order, the Bulgarian has struggled to live up to those expectations and was hindered by off-court distractions.

This is only his second Grand Slam semifinal, but the 25-year-old feels that new coach Daniel Vallverdu has added mental strength to his game.

"The last two years have been a rollercoaster for me, but I'm happy with the way it happened," said Dimitrov.

"I have straighter priorities right now. I know what I want from myself as soon as I come to a tournament.

"On court I'm just happy to try to find a way, even if things are not going my way."

Things have indeed gone his way this year.

Dimitrov is on a 10-match winning streak that earned him the Brisbane International title and has taken him to the last four in Melbourne.

However, he knows that means little when he steps on court against Nadal, who has won seven of their eight previous encounters.

"In order to win a Slam, there's no shortcut," the 15th seed added.

"If you think about it, when have you seen an easy semifinal or something like that?

"You've got to work for it. I have to fight and be ready."