Spaniard on course for his seventh title in Italian capital
Rafael Nadal set up a potential Rome Masters final with Swiss rival Roger Federer after dominating Tomas Berdych 6-2, 6-4 in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Berdych had caused the first major upset of the tournament when he ousted World No 1 Novak Djokovic on Friday.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, despite an improved second set performance against the fifth seed, the Czech could not match Nadal’s power as the Spaniard put himself within touch of a second title inside a week following his Madrid Masters triumph last Sunday.
Nadal, who has now reached eight finals in as many events since his return from a seven-month injury lay-off, broke Berdych twice in the opening set, including in the opening game. Nadal will be looking for a 24th Masters title on Sunday.