Federer, the 16-time Grand Slam winner, was knocked out of the Australian Open 7-6 (3), 7-5, 6-4 on Thursday by 2008 champion Novak Djokovic.
Before the tournament Nadal was going for his fourth straight Grand Slam win and Federer was aiming for his fifth Australian title.
Instead, Nadal was eliminated by fellow Spaniard David Ferrer and Federer is heading home. Djokovic will face Andy Murray or Ferrer in the final - they play on Friday.
"I'm looking forward to watching that match tomorrow from my bed with some popcorn," Djokovic said. "David played a fantastic match against Rafa even though Rafa was struggling obviously with injuries.
"They are in top shape. Andy has been in top shape on this court. It's a Grand Slam final, anything can happen. I believe in myself."
From Rod Laver to Roger Federer, take a look at the Open era champions Down Under.
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It will be the first time since 2003 that Federer will not hold any of the four major titles and the first time that neither Nadal nor Federer will not feature in a Grand Slam final since the Australian Open in 2008, when Djokovic beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.It will be the first time since 2003 that Federer will not hold any of the four major titles.
The finals scenario could open the door for Murray to become the first British Grand Slam singles champion since Fred Perry in 1936 when the final is played Sunday night at Rod Laver Arena.
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"It's really one of the best matches I've played in a while," Djokovic said.
It is the second straight Grand Slam in which Djokovic has knocked Federer out in the semis. At last year's U.S. Open, the Serbian player saved match points before beating Federer in five sets to advance to the final against Nadal.
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