Roger Federer battled back from a set down to beat fierce rival Novak Djokovic and book his place in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
Federer had not beaten the world No 2 since August 2012, with the Serbian winning their last three encounters, including the final of the ATP Tour World Tour Finals.
But despite losing the first set, Federer came storming back after a short rain delay and sealed a 3-6 6-3 6-2 victory in hour and 45 minutes to set up a clash with Tomas Berdych.
Victory secured: Roger Federer celebrates after beating Novak Djokovic in three sets to reach the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships
Mutual respect: Djokovic, left, shakes the hand of Federer after their match in Dubai
Swiss master: Federer returns the ball during his victory over Djokovic
Djokovic appeared on course for his fourth consecutive victory over Federer - and level their overall head-to-head at 16-16 - after wrapping up the first set in clinical fashion.
But the Swiss took advantage of a delay due to rain to gather himself, and he sealed a break in the sixth game to take the match into a decider.
The 17-time grand slam champion immediately broke his opponent in the third set and saved two break points to consolidate his break.
At full stretch: Djokovic attempts a forehand return against Federer
Dumped out: Djokovic plays a forehand during his defeat to Federer in Dubai
Bad day at the office: Djokovic reacts after losing his match to Federer in Dubai
Federer, now world No 8, broke once more to go 4-1 ahead and end the resistance of Djokovic, whose hopes of winning his first ATP Tour title this year were swiftly halted.
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