Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal advanced to the Italian Open final for the 12th time on Saturday with a 6-4, 6-4 win over American Reilly Opelka. The Spaniard will play either defending champion Novak Djokovic or Italian Lorenzo Sonego in what will also be his 52nd Masters final. 

Playing his 500th clay-court match, Nadal staved off break points in the fourth game of the first set and did not look back to win through in 1hr 32min. “It’s important for my confidence to be back in a final,” said Nadal, who exited early in Monte Carlo and Madrid. “I did what I had to do today, it was not an easy or beautiful match to play. “The work is done,” he added.