Nadal to play Monaco in final of Argentina Open
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) - Rafael Nadal beat Carlos Berlocq 7-6 (7), 6-2 on Saturday, setting up a final against Juan Monaco at the Argentina Open.
If he wins Sunday, Nadal will tie Guillermo Vilas for the most clay-court titles with 46.
The top-seeded Nadal was on the brink of losing the first set against the 74th-ranked Berlocq, falling 6-1 to the Argentine in the tiebreak, but the Spaniard won eight of the next nine points to make his first final since winning the Roland Garros title almost nine months.
Monaco, seeking his second title at the Argentina Open, edged Nicolas Almagro of Spain 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-4 in 2 hours, 28 minutes.
The 60th-ranked Argentine saved 12 of 15 the break points he allowed to Almagro.
Carlos Berlocq of Argentina returns the ball to Rafael Nadal of Spain during the ATP Argentina Open match in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
The Associated Press
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after losing a point against Carlos Berlocq of Argentina during the ATP Argentina Open match in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
The Associated Press
Rafael Nadal of Spain eyes the ball during the ATP Argentina Open match against Carlos Berlocq of Argentina in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
The Associated Press
Carlos Berlocq of Argentina returns the ball to Rafael Nadal of Spain during the ATP Argentina Open match in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
The Associated Press
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning a set to Carlos Berlocq of Argentina during the ATP Argentina Open match in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
The Associated Press
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