Nadal to face Djokovic in Monte Carlo final

By Julien Pretot

MONTE CARLO (Reuters) - World number one Rafael Nadal held off a late challenge from Briton Andy Murray to stay in contention for a record fifth consecutive title at the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-2 7-6 semi-final win on Saturday.

The Spaniard, who has won his last 26 matches in the principality, will play world number three Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final after the Serb had earlier recovered to beat Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 4-6 6-1 6-3.

Nadal, who has not dropped a set in Monte Carlo since the 2006 final against Roger Federer, pushed the fourth-seeded Murray far behind the baseline, leaving his opponent with little opportunity to attack.

The powerful Spanish top seed opened a 4-1 lead and had three break points in the sixth game after winning nine points in a row as Murray was left gasping for air.

The Briton saved them all but Nadal wrapped up the opening set in the next game when a Murray forehand went long.

The U.S. Open finalist played more aggressively at the start of the second set but Nadal was simply too strong and would not back off, breaking in the fourth game.

Murray showed some pride in the eighth game when Nadal was serving for the match at 5-2, snatching his opponent's serve after saving a match point with a fine drop shot.

The Scot seemed transformed and, with the backing of the crowd, started to crack winners past Nadal to force a tiebreak.