World number two Rafael Nadal will battle Fernando Gonzalez for the men's singles gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

The second-seeded Spaniard secured his place in the final with a 6-4 1-6 6-4 victory over third seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Friday.

Gonzalez, the 12th seed from Chile, had progressed earlier in the day following an epic 4-6 7-5 11-9 win against James Blake of the United States.

Nadal has had an outstanding year so far winning both the French Open and Wimbledon titles.

He is also set to take over the world number one spot from Roger Federer on Monday due to his successes in 2008.

And the 22-year-old Spaniard has now assured himself of at least a silver medal at the Olympics after seeing off Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Gonzalez also made sure he will leave Beijing with a medal but had to face accusations of foul play from vanquished opponent Blake following their last-four match.

The Chilean saved three match points before prevailing in a three-set marathon.

A pulsating encounter was tarnished afterwards, however, when Blake, who beat Federer in the previous round, accused Gonzalez of gamesmanship.

With Gonzalez serving to stay in the match at 8-9 Blake hit a backhand pass on the opening point which went long but the American was adamant the ball clipped his opponent's racket before landing.

Television replays confirmed Blake was right, leaving him less than impressed in the post-match press conference.

He said: "Playing in the Olympics, in what's supposed to be considered a gentleman's sport, that's a time to call it yourself.

"Fernando looked me square in the eye and didn't call it.

"I've spoken all week about how much I've enjoyed the Olympic experience, how much I love the spirit of it.

"That's a disappointing way to exit the tournament, when you not only lose the match, but you lose a little faith in your fellow competitor."

Gonzalez insisted he was not sure whether the ball touched his racket or not.

"I didn't feel anything," he said.

"It's just one point. There is an umpire. If I'm 100% sure about it, I will give it. But I'm not sure."

Blake will meet Djokovic in the bronze medal play-off.

In the women's singles event, new world number one Jelena Jankovic of Serbia lost her quarter-final showdown with in-form Dinara Safina, who posted a 6-2 5-7 6-3 victory.

The 22-year-old Russian, who came into Beijing having won three titles since the start of May, will now face Na Li in the last four.

"I'm too excited to think about it," Safina said of her semi-final clash.

"It was a tough match," Jankovic said. "I think she played quite well.

"I let an opportunity go in the third set when I lost my serve. I couldn't break her towards the end of the set so that was the key."

Vera Zvonareva will face Elena Dementieva in the other semi-final, in what will be an all-Russian affair on Saturday.

8:30 AM
Categories: Olympics. Author: SacHu