Indian Wells: Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic to meet in final

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Roger FedererImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Roger Federer said it was a big win for him at Indian Wells

Roger Federer will face Novak Djokovic in the final of the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday after a 6-3 6-1 win over Alexandr Dolgopolov in Indian Wells.

Federer, 32, cruised past the Ukrainian as the Swiss notched up his 11th win in a row in just 61 minutes.

Djokovic was given a tougher workout by American John Isner in the other semi-final, which he won in three sets.

The Serbian, 26, won the first set 7-5 lost the second 7-6 (7-2) before recovering to win the third 6-1.

Sunday's final will be the 33rd meeting between Djokovic and Federer.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Novak Djokovic is congratulated by John Isner after beating him in their match in Indian Wells.

Federer, who won his last encounter with Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships last month, continued his impressive start to 2014.

Dolgopolov had beaten three higher-ranked players, including Rafael Nadal in the third round, on his way to the semi-finals but found Federer too much.

"Alexandr's had a great tournament so it's a big win for me," Federer said.

"I think I really served well when I had to and that allowed me to take more chances.

"I was going for it and I served a lot of aces, it was one of the best serving performances of my career."

Dolgopolov looked to be handling his first Masters semi-final, played in windy conditions, well but from 3-3 he lost five straight games.

The 25-year-old's game was more susceptible to being blown off course and four forehand errors gave Federer the break for 5-3.

Federer, who recruited Stefan Edberg to his coaching team at the end of last year, comfortably closed out the set.

Dolgopolov dropped serve again at the start of the second, and the result was all but decided when Federer showed defensive skills to win a long game and lead 4-1.

Federer, who has won the tournament four times previously, then wrapped up victory shortly afterwards.

Djokovic found life a little tougher against Isner and had to save three set points on his serve in the 10th game of the first set.

But in the following game, Djokovic made his move and broke Isner's serve for the first time then served out the set.

Djokovic twice had the chance to serve out the match in the second but faltered each time as Isner forced a tiebreak which he won 7-5.

But in the deciding third set, it was all Djokovic as Isner began to struggle with fitness, and the Serbian seized his opportunity with a 6-1 success.

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