Jun 14, 2008, 14:26 GMT
London - Rafael Nadal denied Andy Roddick a record-setting fifth title at the Artois Championships on Saturday, with the Spaniard reaching the final 7-5, 6-4 with a masterful display on grass.
Six days after lifting a fourth consecutive trophy at Roland Garros, top seed Nadal booked himself into contention for his first grass crown in a battle of former Wimbledon finalists.
The world number two will await a Sunday opponent at Queen's club, west London, as Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic faced Argentina's 2002 Wimbledon finalist David Nalbandian.
Nadal, who has lost the last two finals at the All England club to Roger Federer, has quickly found his feet on grass after another runaway clay season. Roddick was beaten by the Swiss in Wimbledon title bids in 2003 and 2004.
'This was an important win for me,' said Nadal, who has said he yearns for his home in Mallorca for a few days before the June 23 start of Wimbledon.
'I played well against one of the best players on grass. I'm very happy to be in the final, especially winning over a specialist like Roddick.
'Andy was the favourite with his amazing serve on grass.'
The 22-year-old Nadal has only dropped serve once this week and leads the ATP circuit with a 48-7 record and four titles this season.
Defending champion Rodick may have paid the price for a light schedule this week after coming to the court after playing only one set the last two days after Mardy Fish retired with an ankle injury on Thursday and Andy Murray withdrew with a thumb injury on Friday.
Roddick had not been broken before running into Nadal, who edged ahead in their career series 3-2 as he took revenge for the American's victory four months ago in the Dubai quarter-finals.
Nadal was playing in his ninth semi-final this year.
Nadal maintained his energy level despite a draining French Open, sticking with Roddick on serve until the American's serve cracked for the first time this week courtesy of the Spaniard's down-the-line forehand winner for a 6-5 lead in the first set.
Nadal then had to battle in the ensuing game, saving four break points before Roddick sent a return over the baseline.
Nadal quickly converted on his first set point with a delicate drop volley which handed over the lead after a 53-minute struggle.
The Spaniard earned a break for 3-2 in the second set from a Roddick error and lifted victory five games later on the first of two match points.
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