March 2, 2013 - 14:19 AMT
Nadal beats Almagro to reach Mexican Open final

Rafael Nadal beat fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro in straight sets to reach the final of the Mexican Open, according to BBC Sport.

Nadal, who has only recently returned from a seven-month injury lay-off, will face defending champion and top seed David Ferrer of Spain in the final.

The 11-time Grand Slam champion was runner-up at the Chile Open before winning the Brazil Open two weeks ago.

He was ruthless against Almagro, who dropped serve just twice in the match, to wrap up a 7-5 6-4 win.

Nadal will now go in search of his 38th clay-court title against his compatriot Ferrer, who has won 19 consecutive matches in the Acapulco event and is looking for his third title of the year.

Ferrer was made to work hard for his place in the final by Italian Fabio Fognini - his 6-3 6-7 (5) 6-1 victory coming in two hours and 23 minutes.

The 30-year-old Spaniard saved three break points in the opening game of the third set before powering to victory.