Seven-time champion Rafael Nadal reached the Monte Carlo Masters final on Saturday with a 6-3 6-4 win over France’s Gilles Simon and will face Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final.

It was Nadal’s 41st successive win in the principality.

World number one Djokovic battled into his second career Monte Carlo final, overcoming a stiff challenge from Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych 4-6 6-3 6-2.

Djokovic has played on despite learning of the death of his grandfather in Serbia this week.