Roger Federer believes Stefan Edberg can help him end a seven-year losing Grand Slam run against Rafael Nadal. Federer, 32, will take on Nadal in the semi-finals of the Australian Open at 08:30 GMT on Friday.

The sixth-seeded Swiss believes his new coaching set-up will be an asset in his attempt to beat the world number one. “I’m looking forward to speaking to Stefan,” said Federer, whose last win over the Spaniard at a major was in the 2007 Wimbledon final.

“When he came to Dubai [last month] and we spoke about the game, we spoke about playing Rafa as well. “He thought he had some good ideas, so I’m looking forward to what he has to say. Severin [Luthi, coach] knows him inside out. I’m looking forward to hearing what the boys have to say.”

Federer has looked back to his best at times over the last 11 days, especially in beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Andy Murray for the loss of just one set, and an unprecedented 18th Grand Slam title appears a real possibility.

A new, larger racquet and the influence of six-time Grand Slam champion Edberg have played their part, but above all he is over the back issues that troubled him last year. “I definitely sensed that [against Murray] I am back physically,” said Federer. “I’m explosive out there. I can get to balls and I’m not afraid to go for them.

“Of course, last year at times I couldn’t do it, but the important thing is that I can do it now. I’m looking forward to the next match.”
Nadal, 27, is closing in on history himself as he looks to win a 14th Grand Slam title, and become only the third man to win all four majors at least twice.

While the rejuvenated Federer has been capturing the imagination and the headlines, the Spaniard has made harder work of his journey to the last four as he has struggled with a blister on his heavily-taped racquet hand.

“With the forehand, it’s not a big issue,” said Nadal. “With the serve, a little bit. I feel that with the tape I can lose the racquet when I’m serving. That’s my feeling – the racquet can go. “That’s a terrible feeling for a serve, because then when you have this feeling you are not able to accelerate at the right moment. You lose a little bit the coordination. That’s a big deal.”

Nadal still holds a convincing 22-10 lead over Federer in their head-to-head and won the French and US Opens last year in a remarkable return from a serious knee injury.

Their last meeting at a Grand Slam was at the same stage in Melbourne two years ago, when Nadal won in four sets. But Federer remains optimistic that he can return to a Grand Slam final for the first time since he won Wimbledon in 2012, with Nadal’s blistered hand a potential leveller.

“Who knows?” said the Swiss. “He’s been tough to play against, no doubt. I’m happy I get a chance to play him in a Slam again.
“I don’t remember the last time we played. The head-to-head record is in his favour. “For me, it’s a dream run, and I hope I can keep it up against Rafa.”

Courtesy: BBC SPORT