Rafael Nadal is looking to make it third time lucky against Fabio Fognini this season when the pair meet in the Hamburg Open final later on Sunday.
The Spanish former world number one has been defeated by the Italian in both Barcelona and Rio de Janeiro so far in 2015 as Fognini became only the second player after Novak Djokovic to inflict two defeats on Nadal on his favourite clay surface in the same season.
As a result, Nadal – the King of Clay – is determined to get the better of his opponent and the 29-year-old feels that he is in good shape following his comfortable 6-1 6-2 semi-final win over Italian Andreas Seppi in 80 minutes on Saturday.
Nadal, who is targeting qualification to the end of season ATP World Tour Finals, told the Tour website: “Every victory is important. And this year with the up and downs that I’ve had, obviously every improvement is important.
“I played at a very high level. I’m very happy for that, playing with not many mistakes, very well with my backhand, very well with my forehand, hitting winners, changing speeds, changing directions. I think I played a great match.”
The 2013 Hamburg champion Fognini needed one hour and 24 minutes to defeat French qualifier Lucas Pouille 6-2 7-6 in their semi-final showdown on Saturday.
Nadal has been installed as the strong 1.17 favourite to win the Hamburg Open final, while Italian Fognini can be backed at 4.75.
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