Roger Federer admits he thought the time may have passed for another Australian Open final against his old foe Rafael Nadal.
The legends last met on a court playing some playing mini tennis with some juniors and discussed playing a charity match.
Instead they may square off in a grand slam decider that many - including themselves - felt was beyond them.
The last time the duo battled in the final at Melbourne Park was in 2009, which Nadal won in a classic five-setter.
Federer, 35, is returning from six months out following knee surgery last year while Nadal, 30, also had an injury-ravaged 2016 and is into his first grand slam semi-final since 2014.
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Federer booked his berth in the final with a gripping 7-5 6-3 1-6 4-6 6-3 win over Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka while Nadal must get past in-form Grigor Dimitrov on Friday night to complete the fairytale.
"It would be unreal, both of us would never thought that we would be here potentially playing in the final again," Federer said after his five-set victory.
"I went to open his academy and I told him, 'I wish we could do a charity match or something', but I was on one leg and he had a wrist injury and we were playing some mini tennis with some juniors, but it was the best we could do.
"A few months later we are maybe going into the final; I think it is very special for both of us."
The Swiss master, who is gunning for an elusive 18th major title, described himself as Nadal's "No.1 fan".
"Rafael Nadal has given me the biggest challenge in this game," Federer said.
"I think his game is tremendous, he is an incredible competitor.
"Of course it would be unreal as both of us would never thought that we would be here potentially playing in the final again."
If not Nadal, the 17-times grand slam champion will be playing Dimitrov, who for years has had to carry the burdensome moniker of "Baby Fed" for his uncannily similar playing style to Federer.
"Nice style, and that's why many players come and watch him," Federer said.
"He has had a tough couple of years and I'm happy that he could turn it around. I did not think it would be this tough this tournament, but he beat some really quality players and now he has one of the ultimate tests in the game in Rafa tomorrow."
Federer will be contesting his record 28th grand slam final - eight more than Nadal in second place all-time - but first in Melbourne since winning his fourth Open crown in 2010.
"It feels amazing. I never ever thought in my wildest dreams that I would be coming this far here," he said.
"Here I am, a couple of days off, it is beautiful. I am so happy."
