Sharapova had not played since losing to China's Zheng Jie at Indian Wells and her lack of match practice after an elbow injury showed in a 6-4 6-3 defeat at Caja Magica.

CNN: Sharapova and Henin crash out in Madrid

Nadal, like Novak Djokovic, couldn't wait to get away from the controversial blue clay at the Caja Magica but Federer has made the best of the situation and thrashed Janko Tipsarevic 6-2, 6-3 on Saturday in a one-sided semifinal.

CNN: Federer powers into Madrid final