Rafael Nadal reached the final of the Barcelona Open for the ninth time by ousting German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3 6-3 on Saturday.
The 29-year-old Spaniard next faces defending champion Kei Nishikori after the Japanese ousted Frenchman Benoit Paire 6-3 6-2.
World no 5 Nadal will equal Argentine great Guillermo Vilas’ record of 49 claycourt titles if he wins on Sunday.
“Today I played my worst game of the tournament. I don’t like the way I played because I committed too many errors,” Nadal said courtside.
“I messed up my backhands but it was also important I only conceded one break point in the whole game, that’s the most positive thing.”
Nishikori has triumphed in the last two editions and the Spaniard, who last won the title in 2013, said the world No 6 would put him to the test on Sunday.
“He’s having a good year. He’s a fast player and will be very difficult to beat, he gives you no time to react and is one of the best in the world.”
