Rafael Nadal has set up a dream Australian Open final against old foe Roger Federer, defeating Grigor Dimitrov in a five-set epic.

The Spanish bull was made to fight tooth and nail but showed glimpses of his vintage best, prevailing over Bulgarian 15th seed Dimitrov 6-3 5-7 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 in just short of five hours to win through to Sunday’s final against Federer.

Nadal needed three match points to see off a remarkably resilient Dimitrov and win through to Sunday’s final against Federer.