Rafael Nadal defeated two-time defending champion Novak Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (2) in a thrilling, two-hour match on Saturday to reach the final of the Rogers Cup.
The fourth-ranked Spaniard, who defeated Djokovic in the semi-finals of the French Open this year on his way to winning the championship, will be aiming for his eighth title of the season but only his second on hard courts. The others have all come on clay.
“I said yesterday the only chance to win against Novak, the only tactic is to play very well,” Nadal said. “And I did. I played a very high level tonight, I think. I played with the right decisions in the important moments.”
In Sunday’s final, Nadal will play Milos Raonic, who beat fellow Canadian Vasek Pospisil 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4) in the other semi-final to ensure he’ll crack the Top 10 in the world rankings for the first time in his career.
Nadal and Djokovic were playing for the 36th time, tying the record for matches contested by two players in the Open era set by John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl. Nadal leads the series 21-15, and with the win, narrowed Djokovic’s advantage on hard courts to 11-6.
“It was very close match,” Djokovic said. “Whenever we play against each other, it’s always a thrilling match for crowd to see. We are both competing at the high level. We both want to win these matches.”
The Spaniard has an ATP-best 47-3 record this year and will rise to no. 3 in the rankings, regardless of whether he wins the final.
Serena faces giant-killer Cirstea
World no. 1 Serena Williams defeated Agnieszka Radwanska 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 to reach the WTA Toronto final, where she’ll face giant-killer Sorana Cirstea.
Serena maintained her perfect record over Radwanska, her six wins over the world no. 4 from Poland including a triumph in the 2012 Wimbledon final and, most recently, in the semifinals at Miami this year.
Serena next faces unseeded Romanian Cirstea, who toppled fourth-seeded Li Na of China 6-1, 7-6 (7/5).
The victory over Li continued a dream run for 27th-ranked Cirstea.
She also beat former world number ones Caroline Wozniacki and Jelena Jankovic, as well as defending champion Petra Kvitova, en route to the summit clash in Toronto.