Nadal wary of Murray's challenge

World number one Rafael Nadal will have to reverse a two-match losing streak against Britain's Andy Murray if he is to clinch his 12th Masters Series title.

Although the Spanish left-hander leads Murray 5-2 in career meetings, the Scot won their semi-final encounter at the US Open in September and the Rotterdam final earlier this year.

The pair advanced to the final of the ATP event at Indian Wells (being played last night) with contrasting victories on Saturday, Nadal holding off a late challenge by American Andy Roddick to win 6-4 7-6 after Murray had beaten an error-prone Roger Federer 6-3 4-6 6-1.

"It's going to be a challenge for me and I'm going to try to play my best tennis," Nadal told reporters of the task facing him in the title match.

"I enjoy playing tennis and being here and sure, I enjoy being in another final. A Masters Series final is very good news for me."

Top seed Nadal, Indian Wells champion in 2007, has great respect for world number four Murray who has lost just one match out of 21 this season.

"He has played well for the last year," the muscular Spaniard said.

"He's a very complete player. He has a good serve and very good control from the baseline. Yeah, everything.

"He has good hands and a very good drop shot. He can play aggressive, he can play defensive."

Indian Wells, women's final: Zvonareva beat Ivanovic 7-6 6-2.