Three-time defending titlist David Ferrer battled his way into his fourth consecutive Abierto Mexicano Telcel final on Friday, beating Fabio Fognini in three sets 6-3, 6-7, 6-1.
The fourth-ranked player only lost three games in his previous meeting against the Italian opponent a week ago at the Copa Claro tournament but Fognini stepped up his game this week and forced a third set in this high quality match.
Ferrer has already won two titles this season and his aim for a third trophy this season may be challenging since he’ll be facing against a player who’s touted as the “King of Clay” – Rafael Nadal.
Nadal, who just made his comeback on tour from a knee injury this month, is gunning for his second title of 2013. He’s reached the final on his comeback in Chile and won the title at Brasil Open.
Nadal currently has a 16-4 head-to-head series record against Ferrer and he’s 13-1 against Ferrer in claycourt matches.
