Federer, Djokovic reach all-star Dubai final (Roundup)

By Bill Scott Feb 25, 2011, 17:23 GMT

Dubai - Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have lined up their sixth meeting in as many months as both reached the Saturday final of the Dubai Championships.

Top seed Federer, one step away from a fifth title at the venue, went into cruise control to crush Frenchman Richard Gasquet in an eighth consecutive win in their series, winning 6-2, 7-5.

But it was a horror show for Djokovic, who lamented a patchy performance that still brought a sloppy win as opponent Tomas Berdych quit with a leg muscle injury, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 4-2 after two-and-a- half hours.

Djokovic, winner of the last two editions, is one win away from a hat-trick at the Aviation Club. The Australian Open champion a month ago could also win consecutive titles for the second time in his career - 2009 Basel and Paris Bercy - in Dubai.

Federer claimed the desert trophy in 2003-05 and in 2007 and now stands 29-3 at the venue. He has lost serve only twice this week as he chases a second title of 2011, after Doha.

He leads Djokovic 13-7 in their series, winning three of their last five but losing both the US and Australian Opens in the semi- finals.

'Novak's not lost this season, I'm expecting a good match,' said the Swiss, 14-1 on the season at the expense of Gasquet, who was playing his first semi of the year.

'He's looking for a hat-trick and I want a fifth title. I want to win. I want to beat Djokovic at his 100 per cent. I'm sure we will have some great rallies.

'But I have a huge obstacle in front of me with Novak.'

Federer gave Gasquet full credit. 'I really enjoy playing him and not just because of my record. He's got a wonderful one-hand backhand, there are not many of those around.'

Djokovic was not at all pleased with his win. 'It was a catastrophic match for both of us,' said the dissatisfied Serb.

'It's tough to play an injured opponent,' said the two-time Australian Open champion. 'But you try to ignore that and just play your game.

'We were both making mistakes all over the court. My serve was the only positive thing about this match, that's how I guess I was able to win. It was certainly not one of my best matches. I was lucky to go through.'

Djokovic improved to 6-1 over injured Wimbledon finalist Berdych. 'The problem was my left quadriceps, I was not able just to serve or move to the sides,' said the number seven Czech.

'There was no chance to just play with this guy in the condition that I was feeling.'

The pair last met in the quarter-finals at the Australian Open where Djokovic rolled in straight sets. The world number three is now unbeaten in his last 14 matches in Dubai and has increased his current win streak to 13 matches dating to December's Davis Cup final.

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