Rafael Nadal insists he will be physically ready to face his old foe Roger Federer in Thursday’s Australian Open semi-final (Nadal 11/8, Federer 4/7 Match Prices).

The second seed came through a tough quarter-final with Tomas Berdych on Tuesday, winning in four sets to advance to yet another Grand Slam last-four encounter.

The match lasted more than four hours and the Spaniard had to dig deep and show all his resolve to stay in the tournament, after losing the first set and being taken to a tie-break in the second.

Conversely, the Swiss ace wasted little time in disposing of Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro in straight sets and will be fresh and raring to go at Melbourne Park later in the week as he seeks yet another major title.

Nadal suffered an injury-plagued end to 2011 but, when asked how the energy-sapping last-eight victory over the Czech Republic star might effect his performance against Federer, the former world number one made it clear that he is content with the way things have gone to date and is fighting fit to face Federer (Nadal 5/1 Tournament Outright).

“I’m very happy with everything. Starting the season by reaching the semi-finals in the first big tournament of the season is very good news,” he said.

“My level is very positive – much, much better than the end of the season. The character on court, the way to win the points, everything was much more positive.”