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| *On Course, Federer |
In the intense heat of the first week of this Australian Open, Melbourne Park was all illusions, delusions and hallucinations. The second week has been milder by far, but still we are seeing things. Within 24 hours, defending champions Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka disappeared before our disbelieving eyes, and Rafael Nadal was forced to use all his wiles to stave off Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov, the man they call the next Roger Federer.
Then there was the original Federer, and unless our eyes deceived us again - this is the greatest mind trick of all - he was playing for the most part like the vintage Federer. He beat Andy Murray 6-3, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 to advance to a semi-final against Nadal. Except for a peculiar coyness when playing break points - he held 17 and won three - this would have been more convincing still. As it was, Federer had two points to win in straight sets. Of the evaporative break points he said: "I'm kinda used to it. You just stay positive and try to win another chance."
Doubtless, it helped that Murray is still undergoing rehabilitation from back surgery just four months ago, and even by his standards was pessimistic about this encounter. Doubtless, it will help when Federer plays Nadal on Friday night that Nadal is playing with a left hand so puffed up with blisters he can barely grip the racquet to serve. Doubtless, it will help that he then would play a nervous newbie in the final ...
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