Dimitrov burns Nadal with failed attempt at sportsmanship

Grigor Dimitrov attempted to help Rafa Nadal out with some good sportsmanship, but instead misled the Spaniard into a failed challenge.

In the first game of the third set of their semi-final blockbuster at the Australian Open, the Bulgarian was up 40-0 when Nadal hit a forehand right down the edge of the line.

DREAM FINAL: Nadal beats Dimitrov in epic five-setter

It was a 50-50 call which the linesman deemed as out, clearly frustrating Nadal.

The Spanish ninth seed walked up to the mark to get a closer look before Dimitrov suggested he should challenge the call.

Nadal accordingly raised his hand to challenge, before video replays confirmed the line judges call of out, by millimetres.

The sad realisation. Pic: Channel 7

Dimitrov won this battle but Nadal went on to win the war, advancing to a fairytale final with Roger Federer.

Watch the Australian Open LIVE on the screens of Seven including the 7Tennis App and PLUS7.