Federer: No ill feeling with my mate Nadal

tennis Roger Federer has dismissed suggestions his pre-tournament disagreement with Rafael Nadal would add spice to their Australian Open semi-final. Federer and Nadal lined up a mouthwatering last-four clash in Melbourne with wins yesterday, Federer thrashing Juan Martin Del Potro and Nadal coming through a much tougher clash against Tomas Berdych. It will be their first meeting since a ***** in their friendship appeared prior to the season's first grand slam, with Nadal criticising the Swiss for not speaking up on issues affecting the men's game. The pair played it down at the time and Federer was at pains to point out there was no lingering resentment between them. After his 6-4 6-3 6-2 win over Del Potro, he said: It was here for one day and then gone again. I'm happy about that because it didn't deserve the attention it got. For me it's just another great match with Rafa. Compelling Of their 26 meetings, Nadal has won 17, yet they have only ever played here once, in the 2009 final which ended with Federer defeated in five compelling sets and in tears. I'd like to play Rafa because of our epic match in the final here a few years ago, added Federer. I'd like to play him again. Federer will undoubtedly fancy his chances given his near-flawless display against Del Potro in his 1,000th tour-level match. I am happy, I thought it was a great match, Federer said. It was tough with the sun and the shade creeping across the court but I thought it was a really high-quality match. Juan Martin is a great player and I knew how hard he could hit the ball so I tried to manoeuvre him round a little bit. Nadal was made to work far harder against seventh seed Berdych before prevailing 6-7 (5/7) 7-6 (8/6) 6-4 6-3 in four hours and 16 minutes.