With Rafael Nadal's exit at the Australian Open yesterday, any chances of a repeat of last year's dramatic five-setter with Roger Federer were extinguished.

Nadal and Federer now have an astonishing 35 Grand Slam titles between them after dominating them last year, winning two apiece, though it was the Swiss who got the upper hand in Melbourne to win an enthralling final.

It was a romantic story to see two players who have been written off due to injury and age respectively, but both proved their doubters wrong to make history in 17.

Unfortunately for Nadal, those injury problems resurfaced yesterday in his quarter-final against Marin Cilic, forcing him to retire in the fifth set, having initially called for the trainer early in the fourth due to pain in his leg.

The Swiss still has every chance of retaining his title though, and he faces 19th seed Tomas Berdych today for the right to meet Hyeon Chung, Novak Djokovic's conqueror, in the semi-finals.

The rivalry, albeit a very friendly one, between Federer and Nadal is one of the most iconic in sport in recent years, fighting for numerous titles against each other while at the very top of their game.

Had the Spaniard not been so unlucky with injuries, it's something we could've seen even more of, especially considering he was 2-1 up against Cilic when the pain took hold.

In an interview with Eurosport, per Tennis World USA, Federer revealed just how different they are on court though, citing their contrasting serve tactics.

The Swiss says he aligns himself more with another legend, Pete Sampras, who had a similar philosophy to his own.

"There was a bit of a lack of rhythm sometimes and then on the return games you’re supposed to feel great and sometimes you don’t," Federer said.

"I think that was one reason why Rafa also slowed down his first serve back in the day to actually almost get a rally to get a rhythm so then on the return game he could create something through his service games for the returning.

"So with my serve I think I have the best chance to win the point so I focus hard on that. On the return games, if you’re winning your games so easily you can actually hit free, and that’s what Pete [Sampras] did.

"He might not have connected with three, four games in a row but all he needed was that one game where everything went well and that’s when he broke and that’s how he won the set. So maybe I’m more definitely in Pete’s area than Rafa’s."

Judging by the numerous arguments Nadal has had over time violation warnings for a slow serve during his career, Federer clearly has a point.

He was even warned before a match had even begun earlier in the tournament, which is some achievement.

Nadal is only projected to be out for around three weeks with his injury, so he will have plenty of time to prepare for the defence of his French Open title in May.