By Erik Gudris | Saturday, May 17, 2014
Defending champion Rafael Nadal earned an easy semifinal win thus creating an anticipated showdown against Novak Djokovic in Rome.
Photo Credit: AP
With an easy victory, defending champion Rafael Nadal set up an anticipated meeting versus No. 2 seed Novak Djokovic in Sunday's Italian Open final.
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Nadal faced off against rising star Grigor Dimitrov in their semifinal Saturday night. Despite Nadal having struggled with his form most of the week in multiple three set victories, including a come from behind win against Andy Murray, this match proved a one-way fight right from the start.
Dimitrov got off to a nervous start in his opening service game and soon handed Nadal an early break. Looking more comfortable with himself, Nadal took control despite several fine backhand winners from Dimitrov. Nadal, with help from more Dimitrov errors, would break serve at love later on for 5-2. Dimitrov would create slim openings for himself only to watch as Nadal shut them every time.
Soon, Nadal wrapped up the set 6-2.
Another poor start from Dimitrov in the second set once again allowed Nadal to enjoy an early break advantage. Nadal would extend his lead by breaking for 4-1.
Dimitrov, who struck 32 unforced errors overall, saved one match point against him and eventually forced Nadal to serve for the match up 5-2. At 30-40, Dimitrov held a break point opportunity, but would not convert after sending a forehand long.
Nadal again held match point and would not let it slip by as he soon sealed a convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory in just 82 minutes.
Sunday will mark Nadal's ninth appearance in the Rome final and also his 40th ATP 1000 final. Djokovic will seek his third title in Rome. While Nadal leads the overall head to head 22 to 18, Djokovic has won their last three meetings including their most recent one in the Miami final.