Roger Federer has overcome Juan Martin del Potro in the Dubai Championships with a 7-6[5] 7-6[6] win to reach the final.

The two competitors were well matched in the opening stages of the first set, with every game going by the way of serve.

Despite the former world number one trying to snatch the lead, Del Potro forced a tie break after an hour of play.

While the Argentina pro stood firm in the showdown, Federer managed to clinch it and take the first set.

The contest continued to be a tight affair in the early stages of the second set, with both players attempting to force a breakthrough.

Neither competitor could clinch the lead in terms of games and were forced to play out another tie break, which was edged by Federer.

The world number three will take on Andy Murray in the final.