Argentine David Nalbandian [ Images ] proved too tough for Andy Roddick [ Images ] on Friday, beating the Australian Open [ Images ] top seed 3-6, 7-6, 7-6 at a warm-up event three days before the start of the opening Grand Slam of the season.

World number one Roddick clambered his way back from 5-1 down in the final set only for Nalbandian to rediscover the unerring backhand which had allowed him to stretch into that lead, and finish the American off.

Nalbandian, runner-up at Wimbledon [ Images ] in 2002, ruined the Kooyong International promoters' hopes of a dream final.

He, not Roddick, will now meet Australian Open champion Andre Agassi [ Images ] in Saturday's title showdown.

The three-set defeat in hot, sunny conditions was not ideal Open preparation for Roddick, who earlier on Friday was drawn against another baseliner, Chilean Fernando Gonzalez [ Images ], in the first round of next week's slam.

"I got the better of him [Nalbandian] pretty easily the first times we played...but he is tough, he exploits my weaknesses pretty well and handles my power," Roddick told reporters.

GREAT FEEL

"He does a lot of things which, while not spectacular, work well. He is not number eight in the world for no reason.

"He doesn't have a whole lot of weaknesses. He has a great feel for the game, it makes him tough."

However, Roddick said he would put the defeat behind him and take the positives of this week to Melbourne [ Images ] Park.

"Even win or lose this week, you want to get the feel of competitive matches again...get back in the trenches...so this has been good.

"You know, it is not a crisis. I am not uber [over] worried."

Nalbandian does not know his Australian Open opponent yet, he was drawn against a qualifier, but knows he has no need to be worried.

"That was a really tough match," he said after beating the U.S. Open champion.

"I really enjoyed it. A match like this is very good for me with the Australian Open next week."