World number three Roger Federer and Spanish nemesis Rafael Nadal will clash for the 30th time when they meet Sunday in the final of the Rome Masters.

Novak Djokovic can't seem to find any consistency on clay courts. And with the French Open less than 10 days away, he will enter Roland Garros on the back of two early defeats.

Defending champion Rafa Nadal recovered from losing the opening five games against Ernests Gulbis to book his place in the quarterfinals of the Rome Masters on Thursday.

World number two Andy Murray admitted Wednesday that he could miss the French Open after a long-term back injury forced him to quit the Rome Masters.

World number one Serena Williams inflicted swift revenge on behalf of her older sister when she beat Britain's Laura Robson 6-2, 6-2 in the Rome Masters on Tuesday.

Briton Laura Robson beat Venus Williams 6-3, 6-2 in blustery conditions at the ATP/WTA Rome Masters on Monday and now faces the second half of a one-two punch when she next plays Williams' sister and world number one, Serena.

Rafael Nadal reached his seventh consecutive final since returning from a knee injury by brushing aside wild card Pablo Andujar 6-0, 6-4 at the Madrid Open on Saturday.

el Nadal fought back to beat David Ferrer 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-0 in Friday's quarterfinals of the Madrid Open, maintaining his bid to reach a seventh straight final since returning from a knee injury.

The slippery blue clay may be gone, but the Madrid Open continues to produce surprises.

Rafael Nadal made a comfortable start to his quest for a third Madrid Masters title on Wednesday but Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka slumped to a shock exit.