Pablo Cuevas pulled off the biggest win of his career as he beat Rafael Nadal in the semi-final of the Rio Open.
The world number 45 got the better of the Spaniard for the first time by coming from behind to earn a 6-7 7-6 6-4 win and book his place in the final. He served 11 aces and won 76 per cent of points on his first serve.
The Argentinian will come up against compatriot Guido Pella who booked a first ATP World Tour final appearance by defeating fifth-seed Dominic Thiem.
Thiem had sent reigning champion David Ferrer packing in the quarter-finals but he could not cope with clay-court specialist Pella, who dispatched him 6-1 6-4 in 73 minutes.
"I lost an opportunity, that's it," said Nadal in quotes to the ATP Tour website.
"I fought until the end. I have to accept it and keep working to try to change the dynamic. That's what's happening today and I have to work hard to change it."
Nadal has struggled for form since the turn of the year and his first round defeat at the Australian Open has been followed by shock semi-final exits in Buenos Aires last week and now Rio.
He added: "I didn't win a title, so it wasn't a positive two tournaments. I had my chances in both. I lost in the semi-finals of both tournaments and just have to look forward to Indian Wells."
