Federer vs. Nadal: Start Time, TV Info and Predictions for Semifinal Match

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will battle in the semifinal of the 2012 Australian Open on Friday, adding another chapter to one of tennis' best rivalries ever.

Federer and Nadal have not played each other in a Grand Slam semifinal since the 2005 French Open in Paris and haven't met in a Grand Slam final since last year's French Open.

While Nadal has battled through some tough matches to reach the semifinal, Federer has yet to be challenged at all really. The Swiss star has breezed past his competition in Melbourne and hasn't dropped a single set yet.

To reach the semifinal, Federer made quick work of Juan Martin del Potro in the quarterfinal, the 1,000th match of Federer's career. Nadal defeated Tomas Berdych with a difficult four-set win in the quarterfinal.

Let's look at everything you need to know about this marquee matchup that will be an exciting tennis match you must watch.

When: Friday, Jan. 27

Start Time: TBD

TV Info: ESPN2

What You Need to Know about Federer

Roger Federer has dominated the competition in Melbourne this month, looking sharp in every aspect of his game. His service game has been solid, his quickness on the baseline has been good and his reactions have been sharp.

He has not faced a lot of tough competition, with Del Potro being his most challenging opponent, but this lack of strong competition should not take away from how well Federer is playing right now.

He looks determined to reach the final for a possible chance to play Djokovic and avenge his US Open loss from August to the Serbian star.

Federer comes into this showdown with Nadal full of confidence.

What You Need to Know about Nadal

After battling some injuries in recent months, Rafael Nadal has looked strong in Melbourne and has fought hard to beat some talented opponents. His quarterfinal victory against Berdych was impressive, and he will be well-prepared for his match against Federer.

Nadal has had great success against Federer in Grand Slam matches and is 6-2 all time in Grand Slam finals, which includes a 2009 Australian Open final win against Federer.

Nadal has played very well on hard surfaces recently and looks determined to rebound from losing the last two Grand Slam finals. Both losses were to Djokovic at Wimbledon and the US Open.

What a Victory Would Mean for Federer

Federer has not won a Grand Slam singles title since the 2010 Australian Open and has not made a final in a Grand Slam event since last year's French Open where he lost to Nadal.

After a crushing defeat in which he allowed Djokovic to come back and defeat him at the US Open semifinal in August, critics have doubted whether Federer will ever win his 17th Grand Slam title.

A win against Nadal won't just be good for his confidence and personal rivalry against the Spaniard, it could give him the chance to face Djokovic in the final and avenge his loss in New York from last summer.

What a Victory Would Mean for Nadal

Nadal would add to his dominance over Federer with another Grand Slam victory against his rival, which would further cement his legacy as one of the best men's players ever.

Nadal lost both the US Open and Wimbledon finals last season and is determined to get back to a championship level.

The Australian Open is one tournament that Nadal has not had much success in, and in his career he has made the final in Melbourne just once. This match with Federer is Nadal's second career semifinal appearance in Melbourne.

A win would be huge for Nadal and give him a tremendous start to a very important year for him.

What They're Saying

Federer talked about playing his match in the quarterfinal against Del Potro, via BBC:

"

"I thought it was a great match," said the 16-time Grand Slam champion after a fitting conclusion to his 1,000th match.

"I'm happy. It was tough with the sun and shade creeping across the court. Del Potro is a quality player and I was able to maneuver the ball around the court. I hope I can keep it up."

"

Nadal spoke about his quarterfinal match against Berdych, via BBC:

"

"Tired," was Nadal's reaction after the conclusion of the match. "But hopefully I am fine.

"The second set was key for me and I resisted well in the third and fourth sets after four hours of intense battle and I am happy how I finished physically."

 

"

Prediction: Federer Wins in Four Sets

Rafael Nadal has played well in Melbourne, but he has been challenged physically by some quality opponents and has had to play more sets than Federer.

Federer has easily beaten his competition en route to the semifinal and will be well-rested and focused for this awesome matchup.

The Swiss champion looks determined to have a shot at a record 17th Grand Slam singles title, and the opportunity to have a chance for revenge against Djokovic in the final is something Federer won't pass up.

Federer will overpower Nadal and dominate from the start in a four-set win against his rival to earn a place in the Australian Open final.