Rafa Nadal [ Images ] battled to a 6-3, 6-7, 6-1 win over Argentine Martin Alund in Sao Paulo on Saturday to qualify for the Brazil [ Images ] Open final.
The former world number one Nadal will meet David Nalbandian [ Images ] in Sunday's final, the Argentine veteran having defeated Italian Simone Bolelli 6-3 7-5 in the other semi-final.
Nadal, who is playing just his second tournament in seven months after a long lay-off with a serious knee injury, was pleased to have reached the final just a week after doing the same in his comeback tournament in Chile.
The Spaniard warned he was still a long way from his best, however, and rated Nalbandian favourite to win the trophy.
"After being out for seven months, if the knee isn't good and I can reach two finals, that can only be positive," he said.
"Physically, I am prepared. I don't know (whether) the knee is prepared," he added with a smile.
Nadal was a shock loser to Argentine Horacio Zeballos [ Images ] in three sets in the final of the Chilean Open.
The 11-times Grand Slam champion is expected to play another clay court tournament in Acapulco this month as he gears up to defend his French Open [ Images ] title in May.
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