Rafa Nadal held in advance the number 1 in the world by ensuring a medal in Beijing after removing the Serbian Novak Djokovic in an epic encounter which ended 6-4, 1-6 and 6-4. His rival in the grand finale will be the Chilean Fernando Gonzalez, executioner of American James Blake.

That could not suppress tears after falling into semifinals before Nadal was disappointed by the defeat but praised his rival, which said it is "mentally very strong

When I won the second set, knew he would return to the game, is a player very strong mentally, "said Serbian after falling to the Mallorcan by 6-4, 1-6, 6-4.

With face serious, Djokovic was satisfied with his game, "aggressive in the second set," but expressed his disappointment at not having been enough to win Nadal.

For my mentality, I think that I am more a player of that individual team. Since I liked seeing small team sports. What we feel when playing for my country, now or in Davis Cup is completely different to what we feel when playing for me, but never fail to represent your country

I have no more than words of thanks to all Spaniards of the town. I am what I am going very well. I got very tired because he had never been followed so much time away from home, and everything I had proved easier with colleagues

The Balearic admits that the encounter before Djokovic was an important game against a rival in this very complicated track

As for the final against Chilean Fernando Gonzalez, anticipated to be a very hard, because it is getting good, with an incredible right ... I know I'll have to play well if I want to win

Being this is the end is very important to me. After the season I've done, win an Olympic medal makes me very happy