Unseeded Alberto Martin continued his winning ways with a 6-2, 6-3 win over qualifier Peter Luczak of Austria to move into the finals of the Brasil Open 2005 in Costa do Sauipe. It was the sixth win in last seven matches. Martin made the semifinals of the ATP Buenos Aires last week (l. Gaudio).
Martin will meet fellow Spaniard and No. 6 seed Rafael Nadal in the finals in their first career meeting. It will be the third time he faces a seed in the tournament, having upset No. 4 seed Filippo Volandri in the first round and No. 7 seed Mariano Zabaleta in the quarterfinals.
Nadal out-grinded local favorite Ricardo Mello 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 to clinch a spot in his third career final. The rising young sensation from Mallorca won the title in Sopot and reached the finals of Auckland in 2004.
Martin-Nadal will be the second all-countrymen final of the year in as many weeks. Last week Gaston Gaudio defeated Mariano Puerta at the ATP Buenos Aires.
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID:
Martin: "I played pretty well and felt always comfortable during the match. Tomorrow it is going to be my fourth final and I won all the previous I played but that was four years ago so I don't have to think on that."
"These are very difficult weeks but I am playing well. I played the semis last week and I am very happy the way I am playing. I came very well prepared to the swing and that could be one of the reasons."
"I prefer to play Nadal since he is Spanish and I would like an all-Spanish final"
Nadal: "It has been the worst match I have played since I am here in Sauipe but the important thing was to win. I was very tired physically and mentally and I managed to take the strength from where there was nothing. I played with a big heart and will to win."
"Tomorrow I expect to be well physically. It is a final and it could be my second ATP title that I would like very much to have. I play against Beto Martin and I know it is going to be very difficult since he is playing well. He played the semis last week and now he is here in the final. We both know each other very well since we are also good friends."
I am also playing at a very good level. I would like to win since it would be a good start of the season specially on clay."
Mello: "I am a little bit disappointed because today, unlike the other days, I started off well."
"I think the first three games of the second set were key. He earned confidence and started playing better and better."
"I had my chances and couldn�t take advantage of them unfortunately. Anyway, it�s been a great week for me."
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