- guardian.co.uk,
Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Nicolas Almagro in the semi-final of the Mexican Open. Photograph: Jose Mendez/EPA
Rafael Nadal
advanced to the Mexican Open final with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Nicolas
Almagro on Friday, setting up a championship match against Spanish
compatriot and three-time defending champion David Ferrer.
Nadal may be the former No.1, but coming back from a long-term knee injury, and playing an in-form rival with an intimidating record at this venue, he admitted that it would be tough to win on Sunday.
"I'm in no condition to be or even say that I'm the favorite because I'm facing one of the guys in the best shape on the circuit. Not only he's a great player, he's playing great."
"To win tomorrow I will have to play a perfect match or otherwise it would be impossible to win it. I don't think I'm to his level yet, but I'm ready to give it a try."
Nadal is using the Latin American clay-court tournaments to build up his match fitness as he makes a comeback from knee surgery and he has set his sights toward the French Open.
"I can't say that the knee is not bothering me, because it is, but that's normal," Nadal said. "It's not stopping me from doing what I want and that's the best thing, that should make me happy."
Nadal has not lost a clay-court semi-final since 2003, and on Sunday will be trying for his 38th career clay title.
He has a 16-4 record against Ferrer, with Ferrer's only win being in their first meeting back in 2004.
Nadal may be the former No.1, but coming back from a long-term knee injury, and playing an in-form rival with an intimidating record at this venue, he admitted that it would be tough to win on Sunday.
"I'm in no condition to be or even say that I'm the favorite because I'm facing one of the guys in the best shape on the circuit. Not only he's a great player, he's playing great."
"To win tomorrow I will have to play a perfect match or otherwise it would be impossible to win it. I don't think I'm to his level yet, but I'm ready to give it a try."
Nadal is using the Latin American clay-court tournaments to build up his match fitness as he makes a comeback from knee surgery and he has set his sights toward the French Open.
"I can't say that the knee is not bothering me, because it is, but that's normal," Nadal said. "It's not stopping me from doing what I want and that's the best thing, that should make me happy."
Nadal has not lost a clay-court semi-final since 2003, and on Sunday will be trying for his 38th career clay title.
He has a 16-4 record against Ferrer, with Ferrer's only win being in their first meeting back in 2004.
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