Battle of the Davids: Ferrer To Take on Nalbandian in Auckland Final

The Australian Open draw may have been today's big tennis news, but Aussie Open prep tournaments are still taking place, including the Heineken Open in Auckland. 

World No. 7 David Ferrer, who is the top seed in Auckland, defeated Colombia's Santiago Giraldo 6-3, 7-5 in his semifinal. Ferrer looked to be in control from the beginning of his match against Giraldo, but he will have to play well if he wants to beat the red hot Nalbandian. 

Nalbandian, who is seeded sixth, scorched the second-seeded Nicolas Almagro 6-4, 6-2 in their semifinal match. 

The Argentine has been impressive this week, as he also defeated defending champion John Isner earlier in the tournament. 

Almagro did take a medical timeout in the first set because of a potential injury to his right foot and from then on, the Spaniard went for broke as he tried to finish rallies as quickly as possible. 

Nalbandian, who has yet to drop a set this week, played his best on the points that mattered against Almagro, as was evidenced by him converting the single break point that he had in the first set. 

Ferrer leads his head-to-head matchups against Nalbandian at 6-5, but the 27th-ranked Argentine has won their three most recent meetings. 

Interestingly enough, Ferrer and Nalbandian could meet up again soon, as they are slated for a potential third round match at the Australian Open. 

Read Other Tennis Related Articles at Racquet Smash.