Fourth-seed Kei Nishikori became the first Japanese player to reach the final of the Barcelona Open when he out-hit Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis 6-2 6-4 on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Almagro failed to reproduce the form that helped him end Rafael Nadal’s 41-match, 11-year unbeaten run at the tournament as the Spaniard lost his semi-final 7-5, 6-3 to unseeded Colombian Santiago Giraldo.
Nishikori will fancy his chances of landing a first claycourt trophy in the final with Giraldo, who has yet to win a title on the ATP Tour.
“I am very happy with the way I am playing and especially with my service and forehand,” said the Japanese, who is making his comeback after being sidelined for a month with a groin injury.
“This is a tough tournament with so many top Spanish players involved, but now I am in the final and it is in my hands,” he told reporters.
Nishikori’s consistency from the back of the court was too much for Gulbis to handle.
The 24-year-old was quick around the court as he broke twice to take the first set.
Gulbis offered more resistance in the second set, but Nishikori broke to go 5-4 ahead before clinching the victory on his own serve.
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