Final Showdown

Rafa defeated Fabio Fognini of Italy in semifinals at China Open in straight sets: 7-5, 6-3 after one hour and 45 minutes of play.

After the semifinal, Rafa said: "He's a great player, a great and talented player. It was a tough first set, as I expected. Tough match in general. But I think I played well. I played much closer to the baseline than the previous days. That's very important for me, very important for my game. The position for me on the court today was more aggressive, and that's why I was able to beat him today after a couple of defeats."

"I'm happy to be in the final obviously. It's a good result for me, very positive one. And tomorrow is a match to enjoy."

"This result gives me a lot of important points for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals too. I don't say that I am qualified, but with that result I am much closer to being qualified for the World Tour Finals."

"At the same time, the goal for me is try to find a good level at this end of the season. Playing matches is the best practice possible, trying to do things in the matches, to have better feelings, practice the things that I need to do next year. I think today was an important victory. I really played the way that I wanted to play." 

In China Open final, Rafa will play against Novak Djokovic of Serbia. On head to head, Rafa still leads Djokovic: 23-21, but the Serbian won the last 2 matches.

VAMOS RAFA !!!