Image source, Getty Images

One man who knows a thing or two about big blockbuster matches and intense rivalries is Pete Sampras. The 42-year-old won 14 Grand Slams in his 14-year career and had a enthralling rivalry with countryman Andre Agassi.

"It gets tougher as you get older," said Sampras. "Roger is 32 and Rafa's in his prime. Sure, it's not going to last forever so you're going to have to appreciate this match tonight, so much so that you just have to sit back and enjoy it.

"These are two of the greatest players of all time playing in the same decade. It's one for the ages and let's hope it lives up to the expectations.

"Certainly it's not going to last forever. Everyone gets older and we all retire at some stage. It's nice to see Roger playing well. He's got his confidence back."

There's only one question to ask for this morning's tennis chat. Can Roger Federer improve his awful record run against Rafael Nadal or will the Spaniard once again come out on top?

Tweet us using the #bbctennis hashtag, text 81111 (UK only), remembering to put your name on those texts, or leave a comment on our Facebook page., external

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Melbourne looked more like Manchester this morning, with grey skies and driving rain, but things have cleared up sufficiently to suggest we won't need the roof. Which is a good thing, as apparently it isn't working all that smoothly. It got stuck during the women's double final and has remained far more closed than open, despite the brightening evening."

The good news is, you'll be able to see moving pictures alongside this live text commentary, with Sue Barker and Andrew Castle hitting your screens on BBC Two and in the video console on this very page at 0815 GMT.

In contrast, Roger Federer is enjoying something of a renaissance at this year's Australian Open, a title he has won four times. The Swiss had a poor 2013 by his standards, winning just one title - his lowest haul since 2001.

But in Melbourne, he looks like a man reborn, having linked up with six-time Grand Slam champion Stefan Edberg in a bid to keep up with the world's best. And the early signs are good, very good.

The 32-year-old has been back to his attacking best, charging to the net and dictating points in the way he did back in 2006, when he won 12 titles, including three Grand Slams.

Image source, Reuters

Ordinarily, Rafael Nadal would be favourite for this match. He had a marvellous 2013, winning two Grand Slam titles after returning from a seven-month injury lay-off and holds a handy 22-10 head-to-head lead over Roger Federer.

But the Spaniard has a blister on his palm, which burst and left him with a pretty nasty open wound. The 27-year-old says it affects his serve, but he'll be fine with the rest of his game. Could that be the little opening Federer needs to have a chance of reaching his 25th Grand Slam final?

Morning! The wait to see two of the most naturally gifted tennis players to have ever graced this planet is almost over.

Roger Federer, the 17-time Grand Slam champion, takes on his nemesis Rafael Nadal, winner of 13 Grand Slam titles, in the second Australian Open semi-final in Melbourne.

Image source, Getty Images

Roger Federer has not beaten Rafael Nadal in a Grand Slam for seven years. Yes, seven.

The Swiss has also never defeated the Spaniard at a hard court Grand Slam.

And in 2013, they played four times, with Federer managing to win just one set.

Based on the stats, it looks bleak for the Swiss, very bleak. But luckily for Federer, there are a few new factors which could throw those figures out the window...