His latest victory set up a third straight singles final against five-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer Sunday afternoon on center court at the All-England Club.

In Friday's match, the second-seeded Nadal forced a second set tie-break after a 4-5 deficit and survived despite his German opponent saving three match points while trailing 3-5 in the third set.

The top-seeded Federer downed unseeded and former World No. 1 Marat Safin of Russia 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4.

"I'm very happy to be in the final another time," Nadal said. "Wimbledon is a very good tournament for me. I will try to play my best tennis on Sunday. I know the best player in the world is on the other side of the net (and) I feel I have to play very well to have a chance to win."