What started as a highly intriguing tussle, ended on a tame note for defiant Spaniard David Ferrer on Saturday, as his compatriot and World No. 3 Rafael Nadal beat him in straight sets with a 7-6 (6) 6-0 scoreline and secured his berth in the final of the 2012 Internazionali BNL d'Italia, an ATP World Tour Masters Event, being played here in Rome, Italy.

We witnessed some sublime tennis in the first set, but second-set saw some jaw-dropping display of aggression and precision from Nadal, as he managed to defy the logic with his backhand cross-court winner – and subdued his compatriot David Ferrer in straight sets. Well, Nadal won this battle in 2 hours and 6 minutes, as he mustered 69% points on his first serve and duly converted 4 out of 11 break-points.

Re-live the excitement of this duel!

After 1 hour and 26 minutes of mesmerizing tennis action, World No. 3 Rafael Nadal snatched away the first set from his compatriot David Ferrer, who played much better than Nadal, but a few mistakes at the crucial juncture - cost him the first set. Both players were equally good in rallies and at times, Ferrer looked quite better than Nadal, who made a comeback - every time he was tested. Nadal hammered 18 winners and earned 74% points on his first serve.

Nadal was too good in the second-set as it was a different story altogether. The World No. 3 thoroughly dominated the proceedings in the second-set and did not allow his compatriot to win a single game. Finally, Nadal won this battle in straight sets. In the final tomorrow, Nadal will take on the winner of the match between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.