Rafael Nadal through to second successive final

Sao Paulo: Rafael Nadal struggled through to back-to-back finals since making his comeback from a major knee injury as he overcame Argentine Martin Alund in the semi-finals.

The former world number 1 was still far from his best, but managed to keep his own, winning 6-3 6-7 (2-7) 6-1 and will now take on David Nalbandian in the final on February 17. The Spaniard, playing only his second tournament since Wimbledon last June, is still struggling with form and his knee. ""It was the worst day for my knee," he said, "And if the knee is not well it makes it very difficult to play. But I am happy with the result. After seven months without playing it`s good to reach the final again, even if I`m not at my best."