Rivals Nadal and Federer find it's good to talk
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-10-24 05:19

After he dispatched Argentine David Nalbandian 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, Ljubicic said the final will be special.

"I expect a lot of balls back and a very long match. There will be a lot of people against me, it will be a Davis Cup atmosphere," he said.

"I'm happy to be in the final. I have a good record aganst Spanish guys, I'm prepared to run a lot.

"I'm not worrying about winning, I'll give my best - that's been enough recently."

Nadal, who looked a somewhat doubtful starter before the penultimate Masters Series of the year, has rolled to success after success this week.

But the world No 2 admits he's feeling the pace.

"At the beginning of the match, I was feeling a bit tired," he said.

"Now that it's over, my knee is hurting a bit. I hope it's nothing."

Victory on Sunday would also ensure that the reigning Roland Garros holder also pulls level with Federer on four Masters Series titles this year.

"I'm delighted," Nadal said after beating Ginepri on the back of 35 unforced errors from the American.

"It's incredible to be in another final and even more special to do it here in Madrid in front of my fans."

Nadal now stands within striking distance of the all-time record of 82 season wins by a teenager, previously set by Swede Mats Wilander in 1983.