Novak Djokovic won the battle of the former world number ones by subduing Roger Federer 4-6 6-3 6-2 in an entertaining encounter to reach the Paris Masters final yesterday.

The Serb struggled to control an aggressive Federer in the first set before overpowering the Swiss in the decider.

Today, Djokovic plays David Ferrer in the final. Ferrer yesterday upset compatriot Rafa Nadal 4-6 6-3 6-2 in the other semi-final.

Federer, who has slipped down to sixth in the rankings after enduring his worst season in 10 years, broke his opponent’s serve in the third game.

Loudly cheered by the packed crowd, the 17-times grand slam champion unsettled Djokovic by attacking the net as often as possible and hitting some sharp groundstrokes.

Federer looked set to qualify for his first Masters Series final this year when he broke Djokovic’s again in the opening game of the second set, only to see the Serb strike back to level 1-1.

Federer lost the initiative after errors started to creep into his game and he also struggled with his serve. The Serb broke Federer’s serve a second time to lead 4-2 and held on to force a decider.

Djokovic carried the momentum into the third set to book his place in the final.

Both players will meet again at the upcoming ATP World Tour Finals in London after they were drawn in the round robin same group yesterday.

The ATP draw also pitted Nadal with compatriot Ferrer.

In London, Nadal, featuring for the sixth time but seeking a maiden title at the season-ending event, will also play against seventh-ranked Czech Tomas Berdych and eighth-ranked Stanislas Wawrinka, of Switzerland, in Group A.

Ferrer is currently world number three.

Djokovic, who beat Federer last year at London’s O2 Arena to claim his second Tour Finals crown, was drawn in Group B along with fifth-ranked Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro and ninth-ranked Frenchman Richard Gasquet.

Six-time champion Federer will feature for the 12th consecutive year at the event where the only big name missing will be Briton Andy Murray, who is recovering from back surgery.

Federation Cup final
Italy lead Russia 2-0 after Day One of the Fed Cup final in Cagliari, yesterday.

Results: Errani beat Khromacheva 6-16-4; Vinci beat Panova 5-7 7-5 8-6.

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