Intro:

Rafael Nadal saved two match points and recovered from a set down to claim a 2-6 6-3 7-6 (12-10) win against his fellow Spaniard Pablo Andujar in the ATP Rio Open semi-final on Saturday. The world number one will play unseeded Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov in the final on Sunday.

Script:

Rio Open favourite Rafael Nadal would have been confident of reaching the final but fellow Spaniard Pablo Andujar showed he is no pushover with this forehand winner.

In the second set of this semi-final Nadal showed the tenacity of a spectacled bear with his defensive play and the craftiness of a crab-eating fox with this drop shot.

With the match tied, the third set was just as close. Andujar continued with his aggressive style; typified by this smash and another forehand winner.

The 24-year-old then forced Nadal wide with this serve before closing in on the net and winning the point with this backhand volley.

Despite Andujar's strong performance, this error cost him the match. Nadal faces unseeded Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov in tomorrow's final.

The 27-year-old struck 40 winners to remain on course for a 43rd ATP title on clay.