Roger Federer has said that he is looking forward to renewing his rivalry with Andy Murray in the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

The Swiss booked his place in the final with a 7-6[5] 7-6[6] victory over Juan Martin Del Potro.

Federer will now look to avenge his first-round defeat he suffered at the hands of the Scot in this tournament in 2008.

"Actually I didn't play a bad match," the 30-year-old said about his 2008 defeat. "It was just a tough match. Three sets, I think, and close at the end.

"I'm just excited playing against him again after such a long time. So far he looks rock solid. Before Lendl I announced that Andy was going to have an extremely good year. With Lendl, I'm not going to change my opinion."

The 16-time Grand Slam champion is gunning for his second title of 2012 following his triumph in the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam last month.