Federer, Nalbandian clash

ROME: Roger Federer set up a Rome Masters semifinal clash against David Nalbandian on Friday to give him a chance of revenge over the man who snatched his Masters Cup crown in 2005.

The Swiss world No.1 struggled past promising Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-3 6-7 (2) 7-5, while Nalbandian, the world no.3 Argentine, eased past Mario Ancic of Croatia 6-3 6-3. Almagro, ranked 54, came through the qualifying event here and saved five match points as he pushed the Swiss star all the way.

“I made a silly double fault, and he came back and almost beat me,” said Federer who goes into Saturday’s semifinal trailing Nalbandian 6-4 in career meetings. The Argentine was never in trouble against Ancic, who was struggling with a back injury, and was 4-0 ahead in the second set before losing a service game.

“I was a bit tired coming here after Estoril last week, in my first round and second round, but now I feel fine and I’m on great form,” said Nalbandian who won the title in Portugal last weekend.