Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic, on Saturday beat Spanish Rafael Nadal, world number three and holder (3-6 6-4 7-6) to reach the final of the Indian Wells ATP tournament.
Thus in their seven matches so far, Ljubicic, who turned 31 on Friday, has been the winner twice.
In the final of the Indian Wells ATP tournament, Ljubicic will play against Andy Roddick, who defeated Swede Robin Soderling (6-4 3-6 6-3) in the other semi-final.
Ljubicic will compete for his first Masters 1000 title in Sunday's final.
He has so far won nine titles on the ATP Tour.
