Melbourne, Australia (AP) Top-seeded Rafael Nadal advanced to the Australian Open semifinals with a 6-2, 7-5, 7-5 win over sixth-seeded Gilles Simon of France on Wednesday.
Nadal takes on fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in a semifinal Friday. Roger Federer, who is aiming to equal Pete Sampras’ record 14 grand slam singles titles, plays Andy Roddick on Thursday in the other semifinal.
The winners will play in the final Sunday night.
