Rafael Nadal cruises into final

— -- Rafael Nadal beat rival Roger Federer in straight sets Friday to reach the Australian Open final.

Nadal won 7-6 (4), 6-3, 6-3 to reach his third career Australian final. He won the event in 2009 and lost to Novak Djokovic in 2012.

Nadal improved to 9-2 against Federer in majors, including 3-0 at the Australian Open. His overall record is 23-10 against Federer.

Nadal will face Stanislas Wawrinka in Sunday's final.