Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in three thrilling sets to reach the final of the Paris Masters.
In their 47th meeting, the Serb took the match 7-6 (8-6) 5-7 7-6 (7-3) in three hours and two minutes.
Djokovic, who will return to world number one on Monday, will face Karen Khachanov in Sunday’s final after the Russian defeated Dominic Thiem.
“It was a spectacular match and one of the best of my career against him,” Djokovic said.
“We went toe-to-toe.”
The 31-year-old is a four-time winner of the Paris Masters. A win in Sunday’s final will see him draw level with Spain’s Rafael Nadal on 33 career Masters titles.
Swiss third seed Federer, chasing his 100th career title, seemed to be back to his best in Saturday’s semi-final and looked stronger as the match wore on.
He spurned set point in the first set tie-break and could only watch as Djokovic took the early advantage, roaring with emotion following a one hour 14 minute epic.
More to follow.
