On Saturday, Nadal saw off Andreas Seppi 6-1, 6-2 to reach the Hamburg final for the second time, in his first appearance at the tournament since defeating Roger Federer for the 2008 crown.

World number 10 Nadal has been beset by all kinds of problems with his form in a disappointing season, but now has the chance to extend his streak of claiming at least one European clay-court title every year since 2004.

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Fognini overcame qualifier Lucas Pouille 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) to book his third meeting of the year with Nadal.

Frenchman Pouille saw off compatriot Benoit Paire in the quarter-finals, but could not pull off another shock victory.