I'd like to say he's pug-ugly, but that would insults pugs ... whom I quite like, but anyway. Rafa defeated Nico Almagro (who's face is hidden for those of a sensitive nature) in straight sets, 7-6, 7-6, 6-4.
I've yet to watch the match *loseRafateerpoints*, but from all accounts it was a similar affair to their semi-final in Madrid, with Mugro coming out all guns blazing and taking an early 3-0 lead. Rafa broke back to take it to a tie-breaker and whilst he never lost his serve again since his opening service game, it seems that Rafa had to fight for this one, but won out in the end with a break of serve in the 3rd set which resulted in him running out the winner.
In a surprise twist in the other quarter-final, Nole lost to Jurgen Meltzer after have a 2 set lead and break in the 3rd. He lost in a titantic battle in the last game of the 5th set and so Rafa faces the surprise package in Meltzer.
Still not sure who I would prefer. Nole ... who is a profoundly good clay court player, but who lacks those flat shots that trouble Rafa so much, and Rafa has such a good record against him on clay ... or this unknown (to me) quantity in Meltzer, some 5 years his senior.
One thing's for sure, another nail-biting, white knuckle Rafacoaster ride ... eek!!
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