Roger Federer has beaten defending champion Novak Djokovic in three sets to reach the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Djokovic gained the early advantage in the opening set as he broke his opponent's first service game, and he maintained his three-game lead to take the set 6-3.

Federer improved in the second set, with the Swiss breaking Djokovic in the sixth game to move 4-2 ahead. The Serbian player could not find a response as Federer served out the set 6-3.

Federer dominated the deciding set, breaking twice on his way to establishing a 5-1 advantage. Djokovic attempted to save the match but failed to capitalise on two break points in the final game, which Federer eventually claimed to take the final set 6-2.

The world number eight will face Tomas Berdych in the final on Saturday.