World No. 1 Rafael Nadal reached the final of the Australian Open by outlasting fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 6-7 (1), 6-4 in an epic which lasted a tournament record five hours and 14 minutes on Friday. Nadal, the French Open, Wimbledon and the Beijing Olympics champion, will take on the long-time rival and world No. 2 Roger Federer on Sunday in his first final at Melbourne Park.

Spain's Fernando Verdasco returns the ball against his compatriot Rafael Nadal during the semifinal of men's singles at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 30, 2009.

Both men hit top form quickly in the beginning of the match and held serve firmly until the tiebreak. Nadal made a quick start to the tiebreak by reaching a comfortable 3-1 lead, but Verdasco refused to be intimidated and evened the score before receiving a massive piece of luck, when his backhand hit the net and rolled over for two set points at 6-4. Verdasco grabbed the first chance to take the breaker 7-4 after an emphatic forehand volley winner.

The second set also looked to be headed towards a tie-break as both men continued to hold serve, despite Verdasco being forced to save four break points in the eighth game.

But Nadal managed to raise up his level in the tenth game, breaking to take the set at 6-4.

Spain's Rafael Nadal reacts after winning over his compatriot Fernando Verdasco during the semifinal of men's singles at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Jan. 30, 2009.

【体坛英语资讯：Nadal wins epic to reach Australian Open final】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Djokovic tops Federer at Australian Open

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Paul Newman responds cryptically to cancer reports

★ 体坛资讯：Federer into French Open final as Davydenko nerve fails

★ 娱乐资讯：Baby number three for Pretty Woman Julia Roberts

★ 娱乐资讯：Paris Hilton to be released on Tuesday

★ 娱乐资讯：Paris Hilton released from jail

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears not to be charged for hit-run accident

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Release of Anna Nicole tape blocked

★ 体坛资讯：Iraqi fans stock up on petrol and ammunition

★ 体坛英语资讯：Liu advances, shock exit for Robles