NADAL-FED IN HAMURG FINALS

Rafael Nadal fought off a challenge from Novak Djokovic 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 Saturday to set up another final against defending champion Roger Federer at the Hamburg Masters.

The top-ranked Federer overwhelmed Andreas Seppi 6-3, 6-1 in the other semifinal. He won his fourth Hamburg title last year by beating Nadal in the final.

Nadal's No. 2 ranking was at stake against Djokovic but the Spaniard prevailed in an often spectacular match that had both players clenching fists and thumping chests after amazing winners.

Djokovic was seeking back-to-back titles after winning last week's Rome Masters, where Nadal lost in an early round after suffering from a painful blister in his foot.