Nadal upsets the odds to reach Australian Open final

Rafael Nadal is 11-8 to win the Australian Open after beating Roger Federer 6-7 6-2 7-6 6-4 in an epic semi final in Melbourne.

The Spanish ace was a 7-5 outsider going into the match and had to come from a set behind, but produced some scintillating tennis to eventually see off the challenge of Federer and set up a final against either Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray. 

Hills offered top price on Nadal at 8-1 to win the tournament before the start and punters piled in.

 “We are very nervous about Rafa now,” said Hill’s spokesman Joe Crilly. “There are some that said hewas carrying an injury and some that said Djokovic and Federer were too good, but he has certainly silenced the criticism.”

And bet365 are hoping Andy Murray can dig them out of a hole. Spokesman Steve Freeth said: “Djokovic is a stinker of a result for us in our outright book and all the semi-final money  is also for the super Serb.

“Punters got it spot on in the first semi final between RafaNadal and Roger Federer with Nadal being backed on the handicap, and over 39.5 games/3.5 sets also being well supported."

Victoria Azarenka is a marginal 5-6 favourite with Hills to defeat even-money Maria Sharapova in the women's final.