World number one Rafael Nadal admits he was delighted to reach the final of the Rogers Cup in Toronto after he battled past Karen Khachanov.
The Spaniard will take part in his 116th ATP final on Sunday and he remains the heavy favourite to beat Stefano Tsitsipas. Nadal is 1.18 with Dafabet to lift another trophy, while a 2-0 win is 1.62.
He proved too much for Khachanov in the end as he won 7-6 6-4, but in-form Tsitsipas will have a point to prove on his 20th birthday.
Nadal was unfazed by the rain-delayed start and showed tremendous power as he broke his rival at crucial moments.
He is now just two trophies away from lifting 80 in his career, while Tsitsipas is just starting out on his journey on the ATP tour.
The Greek youngster made a big statement as he reached the second final of his career by beating Wimbledon finalist Kevin Anderson 6-7 6-4 7-6.
Tsitsipas has now beaten four top-10 opponents in the space of seven days but he will need to improve this weekend.
Nadal won the last meeting between the pair in April earlier this season in the Barcelona Open final and he admits he still has the hunger to succeed in every event he competes in.
“To win this match is important, it’s very important to be in the final of Toronto,” Nadal said after running his season record to 39-3.
“I’m motivated every day when I wake up, there is always something to improve. “I want to stay around for as long as possible (in tennis).”
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