In the day's opening match, Federer, the top seed, blew by Italian Andreas Seppi 6-3 6-1.

In the second semifinal, the second-seeded Nadal had a more difficult task in downing reigning Australian Open titlist Novak Djokovic of Serbia 7-5, 2-6, 6-2. The Nadal-Djokovic battle took just over three hours.

In an epic final game, Nadal missed four match points and saved four break points before closing it out on his fifth match point when Djokovic's drop shot failed to go over the net.

"I am looking forward to playing in Roger's home," Nadal said sarcastically. "He has won here four times, he loves it here, and it will be a very tough match."

In an earlier final this season, Nadal beat Federer 7-5, 7-5 to capture the Masters Series event in Monte Carlo, Monaco last month.