Seppi, the world number 43 contesting his first Masters Series semi-final, had his moments in the first set, but never threatened the title holder.

Federer beat Nadal in last year's final to end the Spaniard's 81-match winning streak on clay,

The second seed, however, might feel the effects of a gruelling semi-final, which was nearly two hours longer than Federer's match against Seppi.

The 21-year-old had to be at his best to beat Djokovic, who would have overtaken the Mallorcan as the world number two had he won.

And he secured victory on his fifth match point when Djokovic netted an attempted drop shot at the end of a 15-minute final game.

Afterwards, Nadal joked: "I am looking forward to playing in Roger's home.

"He has won here four times, he loves it here, it will be a very tough match.

"Roger played a little over an hour of tennis today, while I played more than three - I just have to make sure I am 100% ready."