SAO PAULO (AP) -- Spaniard Rafael Nadal beat 111th-ranked Martin Alund 6-3, 6-7 (2), 6-1 at the Brazil Open on Saturday, making it to his second straight final after a long layoff to treat his ailing left knee.
Nadal next plays David Nalbandian, the former world No. 3 who defeated Simone Bolelli of Italy 6-3, 7-5 to make it to his first final since being disqualified for injuring a line judge at Queen's Club last year.
Nadal said he struggled with his sore knee throughout Saturday's match at the indoor clay-court tournament.
He eliminated two-time defending Brazil Open champion Nicolas Almagro of Spain in the quarterfinals.
