Australian Open semifinal: Rafael Nadal vs. Fernando Verdasco

Rafael Nadal returns a shot during his five-set victory over Fernando Verdasco at the Australian Open.  (Oliver Weiken / EPA)

“I feel very happy more than tired,” Nadal said after his victory in the five-hour, 14-minute match, the longest recorded singles match in Australian Open history.  (Cameron Spencer / Getty Images)

Fernando Verdasco of Spain, who was seeded 14th entering the Australian Open, reacts after a point in his semifinal match.  (Clive Brunskill / Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal, shown here celebrating after winning a point, said after his five-set victory over Fernando Verdasco that “it was amazing for me to play here in this match. It was one of the best matches in my career.”  (Oliver Weiken / EPA)

Said Fernando Verdasco after his five-set loss: “It’s sad to play one match like this. I have lost after five hours, but I need to be proud of the tournament I played.”  (Oliver Weiken / EPA)

Fernando Verdasco hit 95 winners to Rafael Nadal’s 52, had 20 aces to Nadal’s 12, but made 76 unforced errors to only 25 for Nadal.  (Oliver Weiken / EPA)

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal takes a tumble after finally vanquishing fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in a men’s singles semifinal at the Australian Open on Friday.  (Mast Irham / EPA)

Rafael Nadal now has to pick himself up and play Roger Federer in the finals of the Australian Open. “For sure, it’s going to be a tough final in one day and a half, because my opponent will be very difficult,” Nadal said after Fernando Verdasco in the semifinal.  (How Hwee Young / EPA)

Fernando Verdasco, left, and his fellow Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, congratulate each other after their grueling five-set Australian Open semifinal match. Nadal won the match but said afterward, “Fernando is playing unbelievable, his serve was amazing. Today, he deserved the win too.”  (Rob Griffith / Associated Press)