Tennis: Federer in way of Djokovic's quest to claim all nine ATP Masters crowns
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Roger Federer celebrates his win over Andy Murray in their semi-final round match.
PHOTO: EPA
(REUTERS) - Top seed Novak Djokovic and defending champion Roger Federer advanced to the Western & Southern Open final on Saturday to set up a rematch of their title-deciding Wimbledon clash.
Djokovic, who beat Federer in the Wimbledon final for a second consecutive year last month, rallied to beat Ukrainian qualifier Alexandr Dolgopolov 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2.
Federer beat third seed Andy Murray 6-4, 7-6 (8-6).
Djokovic, who needs a win on Sunday to become the first player to claim all nine ATP Masters titles, lost the first set but escaped a nervy second-set tiebreak in Cincinnati that took the wind out of his 66th-ranked opponent's sails.
Completing the set of ATP Masters titles will be no easy feat for Djokovic with six-time Cincinnati champion Federer standing in his way.
The final sets up the latest instalment of their rivalry, knotted at 20 wins apiece.
