The 31-year-old Argentine reached his 24th tour final after beating Italy's Simone Bolelli 6-3 7-5.

CNN: Williams eyes Azarenka final after thrashing Sharapova

Italy hold the edge in their tie in Turin after Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini won their doubles match against Marin Cilic and Ivan Dodig on Saturday.

CNN: Czech Republic win 7-hour Davis Cup doubles marathon

No. 1 Federer brushed aside unseeded Belgian Christophe Rochus 6-1 6-2 in the first round of the Qatar Open in Doha, while second seed Nadal was similarly untroubled in defeating Italy's Simone Bolelli 6-3 6-3.

CNN: Federer and Nadal cruise as nemesis Soderling crashes out