Former world No. 1 Rafael Nadal continued his domination over countryman Nicolas Almagro Friday to book his spot in the Mexican Open final against three-time defending champ David Ferrer.
The 26-year-old Nadal, who is seeking his 52nd career ATP Tour title, defeated Almagro 7-5, 6-4 in their one hour, 48 minute semi-final match.
Nadal has now reached his third-straight final after missing more than seven months with a left knee injury.
“I started the match a little bit nervous. I have not touched the ball as clean as in previous days and I played shorter than I would have liked, but I also faced a player who hits the ball very hard,” said Nadal, who is looking for his 38th clay court title Saturday.
“In the second set I attacked a little more and I could lead my shots a little better.”
Nadal won this event eight years ago in his only previous appearance.
In Saturday’s final, he will square off against top seed Ferrer, who needed three sets to beat Italian Fabio Fognini 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1 in the other semi-final.