Nadal defeated Lleyton Hewitt 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 to extend his clay-court winning streak to 81 matches and Federer beat Carlos Moya 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

"It's nice to come back from one set down," Federer said. "I came out of it but I am still missing too much. You have to believe that you can come back."

Federer has gone four straight tournaments without a title, his worst run since he became No. 1 in February 2004. The Swiss star has won three Hamburg championships in his last four visits to the tuneup for the French Open.

He takes a 16-match winning streak in Hamburg into the final, his fourth this season.

Nadal, No. 2 in the world, has a 7-3 career record against Federer, including 5-0 on clay.

Nadal beat Federer in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters this year and is looking for his fifth title of the year.

"I feel good, it's always a special, interesting match," Nadal said. "I have no pressure, win or lose I will go to Paris with the best of confidence."

Nadal appeared in trouble when he dropped his serve to allow Hewitt to level at 4-4 in the third. But Nadal broke back at love, whipping a tremendous crosscourt backhand winner.

Serving for the match, Nadal climbed out of a 30-0 hole, only to see Hewitt hit a forehand winner. Hewitt earned the break when Nadal's forehand went wide and the match was tied again.

Nadal broke serve again and served out the match, but not before saving two break points.

"I didn't quite take my chances," Hewitt said.

Moya was ranked No. 1 in 1999 but has dropped to No. 36. The Spaniard had never beaten Federer in six previous meetings, but troubled him early on.

"Today was the day to beat him; I had a feeling I could beat him," Moya said. "But at important moments, he brings out his best."

Federer saved three set points before losing the first set. Serving for the second at 5-3, he allowed Moya to save three set points and then dropped his serve. But a forehand winner in the next game put Federer even. Federer broke serve for a 4-2 lead in the third and was on his way.

"I felt I was controlling the match," Moya said. "But with Federer, you can't expect to beat him until it's over. I had some break points but he came up with some great shots."

Speaking before Nadal's match was completed, Federer said beating the Spaniard in the final would be a great way to go into the French Open, the only Grand Slam he hasn't won.