Rafael Nadal to play Novak Djokovic in Rome final

Rafael Nadal secured his place in the Italian Open final with a 6-4 6-4 win over American Reilly Opelka.

At 2-1 down in the first set Nadal had to save four break points, but he then broke his big-hitting rival in the next game before going on to claim the set.

One break of serve was also enough for the 34-year-old Spaniard in the second set as he secured victory in Rome.

Nadal will play world number one Novak Djokovic in the final, who beat Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-2.

Djokovic was on court twice last night as he came from a set down to beat Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in their rain-affected quarter-final before playing Sonego after Nadal's match.