Djokovic and Nadal Meet in Final

Novak Djokovic will play Rafael Nadal in the final of the Italian Open after beating Roger Federer 6-2 7-6 (7-4).

The world number one, who was in fine form, eased to victory in the first set, but Federer fought hard to take the second into a tie-break.

Federer had momentum, but the defending champion was not to be denied.

Nadal, unbeaten in clay-court semi-finals since 2003, reached the Rome final with a 7-6 (8-6) 6-0 victory against compatriot David Ferrer.

If Rafael Nadal wins the Italian Open, he will create a new world record of 21 Masters victories. He is currently tied on 20 with Roger Federer.

"It was unbelievable how David started, he had great rhythm, no errors, was playing aggressive and moving well," said Nadal.

"All I could do was try to keep the score close as I thought he could not go on at that level.

"After the first six or seven games, our levels became more equal.

"It is great to be in another Rome final, the final preparation before Roland Garros [the French Open]."

Nadal, five-times winner of the competition, had to come from 3-1 down in the first set to set up his 70th career ATP final.

He was struggling with his backhand, which accounted for 15 of his 20 unforced errors, but once he came through a difficult first set lasting 84 minutes, he raced to victory - failing to drop a game in the second set.

Nadal's incredible record on clay means he starts Sunday's final as favourite, but he will be up against a formidable and familiar foe inDjokovic.

The Serbian dominated the baseline rallies to break Federer twice in the opening set.

That pattern continued into the second set, until 16-time Grand Slam winner Federer became more aggressive and took it to a tie-break.

It proved too little, too late, however, as Djokovic regained the initiative to book his place in the final.