Sao Paulo: Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal clinched victory against Argentina's Martin Alund to reach the final of ongoing Brazil Open. Despite some trouble in second set, Rafa outplayed Martin with 6-3, 7-6(2), 6-1.
Sunday's title decider against Argentina's David Nalbandian will be the Spaniard's second straight final since returning from a seven-month layoff with a knee problem, reported the sources.
In his first tournament back from injury last week, the 11-time Grand Slam winner lost to World No.73 Horacio Zeballos in the Chile Open final.
Earlier, Nalbandian said he was confident of clinching his first ATP title since 2010 against Nadal.
The former World No. 3 progressed to the final of the indoor clay-court event after defeating Italy's Simone Bolelli 6-3, 7-5.
"I am feeling better as the week goes on with each match and with that my confidence has grown," the current World No.93 said on Saturday.
"Physically I'm feeling very good. I have played two matches that have gone to three sets but the points have been short and for that reason I haven't felt any negative effects," he said.
Sunday's duel will be Nalbandian's first final since being disqualified for kicking an advertising sign and injuring a line judge at Queen's Club in London last June.
The 31-year-old said that the tournament's final clash is not going to be affected by the controversies following the Brazil Open's playing surface and ball.
"Nadal is a very tough competitor on any kind of surface in the world but this surface is a tough one for every participant. Who is going to get the advantage of the balls and surface will be decided in the final only," concluded Nalbandian.