Beware of title-contender 'Baby Fed'

The unassuming Bulgarian has spent years on the fringes of tennis's top ranks, but Dimitrov will make a name for himself if he ends Rafael Nadal's magical run in the Australian Open semi-finals on Friday.

His game has long been compared to Roger Federer's but while he has a similar, one-handed backhand and effortless movement, he's been lacking in one important aspect -- results.

But last year Dimitrov teamed with Daniel Vallverdu, Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych's ex-coach, and a change has been apparent at the start of this season.

The 25-year-old picked up his first title since 2014 at this month's Brisbane International and he is unbeaten so far this year after putting together a 10-match winning streak, matching the best of his career.

He beat three top-10 players -- Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic and Dominic Thiem -- en route to his fifth career title, with Richard Gasquet and David Goffin, the 18th and 11th seeds, among his victims in Melbourne.

Now Nadal, 30, is warily eyeing the 15th seed who stands between him and a crack at a 15th major title, three seasons and several injuries after his last.

"He's a player that has unbelievable talent, unbelievable potential. He started the season playing unbelievable," Nadal said of Dimitrov.

"It's going to be a very tough match for me. I hope for him, too. I'm going to try to play my best because I know he's playing with high confidence."

- 'I keep on fighting' -Belgium's Goffin said he had noticed a change in Dimitrov after he was brushed aside by the Bulgarian in straight sets in the quarter-finals.

"He was, first of all, really solid. Then when he had the short ball, he came in with the good precision ... But his improvement is mentally," Goffin said. 

"Last few months he proved that mentally he was much better than in the past. He didn't give any points. He was really solid. So I think that's his biggest improvement."

Dimitrov revealed in Brisbane that he liked to relax in computer arcades, to take his mind off tennis, while in Melbourne he has been visiting the city's parks.

The former boyfriend of Maria Sharapova has admitted that romantic diversions have been a distraction in the past, but he said he is now able to focus on his tennis.

"I'm enjoying coming out on the court. I'm going to enjoy other things maybe next week," he said.

He added: "I think my focus has been good. The mentality has been there. I've been present when I'm playing my matches. Just fighting. I keep on fighting. 

"I have a good spirit on the court, being positive. There are obviously a lot of small things that when you put them up together it makes a big difference."