Masters square off again

Nalbandian got the better of the World No. 1 at last year's Masters Cup final in an epic Shanghai battle, but Federer has toppled the Argentine in two semi-finals since then at the French Open and the Rome Masters.

The two have a long-standing rivalry that goes back to their days as juniors, when Nalbandian had the advantage.

After reaching the ATP circuit Nalbandian won the first five contests between the two, but Federer has since evened the series at 6-6.

"We've helped each other in some ways in our career, we've killed each other in some ways in our careers," Federer said. "I think it's always interesting when we play each other. We've always had good matches."

"He's had a really tough time getting so far, but he's always a good player and tough to beat."

Nalbandian ousted Russian rival Marat Safin for only the second time in eight matches to advance past the quarter-finals in Madrid, while Federer easily dispatched of unseeded American Robby Ginepri.

Nalbandian said he is planning on moving into the finals, even if that means beating the top player in the world.

"Of course I expect to win," the Argentine told reporters after his victory against Safin. "Federer is very good. It's going to be tough, but I have a chance."

"All the time that we play each other, it's very close, a very tough match. Nobody knows what's going to happen, but I'll be ready for it."

Nalbandian, who retired from his French Open semi-final with Federer because of stomach pains trailing 5-3 in the third set of a 1-1 match, believes that his juniors experience against the quadruple Wimbledon champion will benefit him on Saturday.

"I know him. We know each other since juniors, and that's why," Nalbandian said. "It's something I take advantage of because we've played each other many times as juniors, and we know each other very well.

"That's why I get to know his weak points."

In the second semi-final Fernando Gonzalez takes on the Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych, who ousted defending champion Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals.