ATP Madrid Open: Rafael Nadal reaches seventh consecutive final

Rafael Nadal charged into the final of the Madrid Open after overwhelming fellow Spaniard Pablo Andujar 6-0 6-4.

The 27-year-old world No 113 was a surprise semi-finalist, but he was no match for the stronger, quicker Nadal.

The fifth seed was not troubled barring a threat of a comeback from Andujar in the second set, but he eventually got the job done in 77 minutes.

Nadal provided the home crowd with an unblemished opening set of tennis in just 24 minutes, steamrollering his opponent with his more powerful all-court game on the red surface - winning 88 per cent of his first serves.

Wild card Andujar relaxed at the start of the second set and successfully held his opening service game much to the delight of the crowd at La Caja Magica.

He then surprisingly earned three break-points in the sixth game, but he couldn't capitalise and Nadal eventually held.

And then at 4-4, the Mallorcan made the all-important break after Andujar netted a straightforward volley.


Seventh final........


The 11-time Grand Slam champion served out the match to reach his seventh consecutive final in as many tournaments this year since he returned to action in early February from a seven-month injury lay-off.

The seven-time French Open winner also took is record to 30-2 and he will now be bidding for his third title at the event.

"The results could not have been better," said the 26-year-old Nadal.

"Five months ago I could not have dreamed of everything that has happened during these past few months. It's almost a dream to be back in another final at home here in Madrid."

Nadal will face the winner of the match between Andy Murray's conqueror Tomas Berdych and Stanislas Wawrinka in Sunday's final.