Tennis-Open-Nadal downs Ljubicic to join Federer in Paris final

PARIS, June 9 (Reuters) Defending champion Rafael Nadal set up potentially the greatest final in French Open history when he defeated Croatian fourth seed Ivan Ljubicic 6-4 6-2 7-6 today.

The Spaniard second seed will defend his crown against world number one Roger Federer on Sunday. It will be the first time since 1984 that a Roland Garros final will feature the top two seeds.

Nadal extended his perfect Roland Garros record to 13-0 and stretched his winning streak on clay to 59 matches. Earlier today, Federer reached his first Roland Garros final after Argentine David Nalbandian pulled out with stomach problems while trailing 3-6 6-4 5-2.

Nadal broke twice in each of the first two sets to sit on a comfortable cushion but was challenged in the third, being forced to a tiebreak he won 9-7 on his third match point after two hours and 49 minutes.

REUTERS PR HT2237