David Ferrer will have a chance to defend his title in Paris after upsetting world No. 1 Rafael Nadal today in straight sets: 6-3, 7-5. It was only Ferrer’s fifth win over his fellow countryman in 25 meetings, but it was really all Ferrer today. He will meet No. 2 Novak Djokovic in the final tomorrow, after the Serb overcame a shaky start in his own semifinal to beat Roger Federer: 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Djokovic’s victory, coupled with Nadal’s loss, keeps his hopes alive of regaining the No. 1 ranking by year’s end, though he will need to win tomorrow, and get further assistance from the Spaniard at the World Tour Finals next week in London.
The loss also dashed Nadal’s hope of becoming the first man to win six Masters 1000 titles in a single season.
In tomorrow’s final, Ferrer will be hoping to improve on his disadvantageous 5-10 head-to-head record against Djokovic.