Roger Federer has beaten defending champion Novak Djokovic in three sets to reach the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
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Djokovic gained the early advantage in the opening set as he broke his opponent's first service game, and he maintained his three-game lead to take the set 6-3.
Federer improved in the second set, with the Swiss breaking Djokovic in the sixth game to move 4-2 ahead. The Serbian player could not find a response as Federer served out the set 6-3.
Federer dominated the deciding set, breaking twice on his way to establishing a 5-1 advantage. Djokovic attempted to save the match but failed to capitalise on two break points in the final game, which Federer eventually claimed to take the final set 6-2.
The world number eight will face Tomas Berdych in the final on Saturday.
Steven Toplis
