Roger Federer set up a final showdown with Novak Djokovic in sensational fashion as the Swiss great saved four match points on Saturday before defeating Stan Wawrinka in a thrilling semi-final at the ATP Tour Finals.
Six time champion Federer prevailed 4-6 7-5 7-6 (8-6).
He looked down and out when Wawrinka served for the match in the final set, but he responded superbly and eventually booked his ninth appearance in the final of the season-ending event at London’s O2 Arena.
Earlier, Djokovic survived his first serious test of the Tour Finals as the world No.1 advanced to the decider with a 6-1 3-6 6-0 victory over Japan’s Kei Nishikori.
Djokovic had swept through the group stage in imperious style, but was pushed harder by Nishikori, who became the first player to take a set off him this week, before a strong finish secured the Serb’s fourth appearance in the final.
“Kei was playing great and this has been the best season of his life but he made some crucial double-faults in the third set,” Djokovic said.
The 27-year-old has won 31 successive indoor matches, including 14 at the Tour Finals.
After his triumph, Djokovic said he would definitely be watching the Federer-Wawrinka semi-final.
“I’ll get some popcorn and enjoy it from my bed!”.