Madrid Flashback: Roger Federer sets another Rafael Nadal final

• Tennis News
• Roger Federer

Roger Federer conquered the first edition of the Madrid Masters in Caja Magica in 2009. The Swiss played well in the Spanish capital a year later, advancing into his 26th Masters 1000 final and closer to a title defense. Roger met David Ferrer in the semi-final and scored a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 win in two hours and six minutes to set the title clash against Rafael Nadal!

It was Roger's tenth triumph over David in as many encounters. He earned it after repelling three out of four break chances, securing two return games from nine opportunities to emerge at the top. Federer was the more aggressive player.

He fired 35 winners and unforced errors and forced almost 40 mistakes from the Spaniard to topple him with a single break in the decider. As was expected, Roger had the upper hand in the shortest rallies up to four strokes, building a massive advantage and staying in touch with David in the more extended exchanges to remain undefeated in Caja Magica.

Roger Federer battled past David Ferrer to reach the 2010 Madrid Open final.

Ferrer fended off three break chances at 1-1 in the opener and closed the game with a running forehand winner to give the crowd something to cheer about.

The home favorite fired another beautiful winner for a hold at love in game five and a 3-2 advantage. Federer created a break chance at 3-3 with a perfect drop shot, and Ferrer denied it with an ace. The Spaniard served in game nine and repelled two break points to remain on the positive side.

On the other hand, Roger lost only one point in five service games, delivering quick and comfortable holds and hoping for more return chances in the closing stages. The Swiss finally grabbed a break at 5-5 when the Spaniard netted a backhand to move in front.

The defending champion landed three winners on serve in game 12 for 7-5 after 46 minutes, closing the set in style and hoping for more in the second. Instead, Ferrer generated the rival's error to clinch a break in game four and forge the lead.

David cemented it with a service winner a few minutes later, taking 13 of the last 18 points for a great run. A service winner sent the Spaniard 5-2 in front. He held at 15 in game nine to lock the set and arrange a decider, seeking the first triumph over a notable rival.

Roger squandered break points in the third set's second game and erased one on his serve a few minutes later with a forehand down the line winner. Federer remained on the positive side and served better by the end of the clash to mount pressure on the other side.

David fought well, but that was not enough to keep him safe until the tie break. The Spaniard lost serve in the eighth game, allowing the Swiss to seal the deal with an ace at 5-3 and set the clash against Rafael Nadal.