He drew blood. But Rainer Scheuttler could not inflict a telling blow on Rafael Nadal on yesterday. The Spaniard surged and slid to a 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-4 victory, incurring a skint knee in the process.

"It's nothing," he said, in the manner of John Wayne dabbing at a flesh wound. The world No.2's desire to star in Federer-Nadal III was not going to be stopped by anything short of decapitation.

The Spaniard is on a mission and Schuettler was never equipped to deny him. The first set was over in 23 minutes. And 21 of that seemed to be Rafa re-arranging his shorts.

The German had his finest hour or, to be precise, his finest 59 minutes, in the second set by breaking Nadal and taking the set to a tie-break. But the match was over in just more than two hours. It offered Nadal a warm-up before what the tennis world has been anticipating for a year. Men's semi-final day was blessedly unspectacular yesterday. Nadal and Roger Federer progressed without alarm and tomorrow holds the promise of a special final.

Federer-Nadal I was a fine match that was over in four sets. Federer-Nadal II was a classic that went the distance. How to preview Federer-Nadal III? The Scene on the Green? The Sass on the Grass? The Turf War? Don King, where are you?

Federer and Nadal, though, have done enough to build up this match without any intervention from the vociferous Mr King. Their actions have spoken louder than even the impressario's words. Federer came into the tournament as a faltering champion, tipped to be stripped of his invincibility on the turf of Wimbledon. Nadal had added to the doubts about the world No.1 by slaughtering him at the French Open or The Slay on the Clay, as it is not known.

But the Swiss player has been routinely brilliant. He has shown no flaw, hinted at no dramatic fallibility. If here is to be a changing of the guard at Wimbledon, it comes with little fanfare in the shape of convincing evidence that the Swiss is failing.

But if Federer has retained all his powers has Nadal improved substantially?

And is this improvement enough to make him the king of SW19?

The first question can be answered with a resounding yes. The modest Nadal conceded yesterday: "I am a better player in general." His serve has improved and his forehand, incredibly, has become stronger.

The second question has split the tennis world and can only be answered on Centre Court tomorrow. Both men bring their top form to the arena. Nadal believes Federer is the greatest player ever on grass. This presents a challenge that enthuses the Spaniard, who has zipped through the tournament.

Nadal admitted he had played much better against Andy Murray than against Schuettler but with his typical focus he was just delighted to be in the final. And this is the key to Nadal. The Spaniard is genuinely, absolutely looking forward to confronting Federer. There is no fear, no macho posturing but a humble, eager anticipation.

Federer had said he knew how to play the Spaniard on grass. But Nadal refuses to become involved in anything that might hint of "trash talk". "I only gonna try my best, no?" he said when asked if he knew how to confound the world No.1. "Go on court, try to play my best, try to put my rhythm, my intensity. Later, if he play better than me, he beat me, just congratulate him like every year."

The sentiment drew guffaws but Nadal was serious. He does not intend to put himself under added pressure. He has confidence in his ability. He pushed Federer to the limit of his genius last year. He knows, too, that he has a bigger punch than before.

"Last year I was very lose," said the Spaniard. He hoped for "a little bit better" performance tomorrow. If he can manufacture this minute but significant improvement, the title should be his. He has the tools to perform the task. What would it mean to the Spaniard to win?

"I don't want to speak about win," he said. "I only want to speak about how I have to play. I have to play my best tennis if I want chances to win this final."

He paused, then smiled. "Later, if I am here on Sunday with the title, well, you can ask me how I feel."

That question may just be posed. But Federer is accustomed to having the final say. Take your seats, at courtside or in living-room, for tennis's version of the greatest show on earth.