Rafael Nadal avoided becoming the latest victim of an Australian Open upset with a battling four-set win over Grigor Dimitrov, bbc reports.
The world number one coped with a severe blister on his racquet hand and saved three set points in the third set to win 3-6, 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (9-7), 6-2.
“I was so lucky”, said Nadal. “He missed an easy forehand and another one”.
He will play the winner of Wednesday’s late match between Andy Murray and Roger Federer in Friday’s semi-finals.
The Spaniard admitted the blister was affecting his game, “especially with the serve”.
“With the serve, I feel the racquet goes,” he said. “But it’s fine. I will try and improve the hand tomorrow and then try to be ready for a tough match against Roger or Andy.
“It’s not a problem in practice, the blister is much better but if I am not playing with protection, it can be much worse”.