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By Chris Oddo | Saturday, April 12, 2014

 
Fernando Verdasco

Fernando Verdasco set up an all-Spanish final at the U.S. Men's Clay-Court Championships in Houston, by taking out Santiago Giraldo in straight sets.

Photo Source: AP

Fernando Verdasco fought past a spirited effort from Colombian Santiago Giraldo on Saturday, 6-4, 7-5, to reach the final of the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston. The victory marks the 19th career ATP final appearance for the Spaniard.

>>>Lightning Round: Verdasco on the Match that Made Him Cry<<<

Giraldo had not been broken all week en route to his second semifinal of 2014, but Verdasco got to the 26-year-old five times on six break opportunities over the course of the one hour and thirty-two minute tilt.

One break was all Verdasco would need in the first set. The Spaniard lost only seven points on serve and notched the only break point he saw to take the opener.

In the second, Verdasco took the scenic route, falling behind 5-3 before rallying to take the final four games of a wild set that featured seven breaks of serve.

Verdasco is through to his first final since last July, when he lost the Bastad final to Carlos Berlocq. The 30-year-old Spaniard owns a 5-13 career record in ATP finals.

Verdasco will face fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro, who advance to the final when Sam Querrey withdrew with a pinched nerve in his neck. Verdasco owns a 6-3 career edge over Almagro, including victories in their last three battles on clay.

Almagro will bid for his 13th career title and first of 2014.

 

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