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 minuteu00a0semi-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.