Novak Djokovic to meet Roger Federer in Rome final

For the first time this week Novak Djokovic needed only two sets to triumph in Rome, beating Spain's David Ferrer 6-4 6-4 as he reached the final and closed in on a 24th Masters 1000 title.

The world number one, who is chasing a fourth title in the event, next meets Roger Federer who knocked out fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4 6-2.

Djokovic's winning streak now stands at 21 matches but he has been made to work hard this week with close-fought victories over Nicolas Almagro, Thomaz Bellucci and Kei Nishikori.

He seemed to move up a level against Ferrer with a clinical display. The top seed needed two breaks of serve to clinch a ninth consecutive win over the Spaniard.

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"I played the best match of the week," Djokovic told Sky Sports Italia. "I'm satisfied with the way I played and happy to be in another final in Rome."

Djokovic's only frustration was the state of the Centrale court and he repeatedly complained about the condition of the clay.

"That's the one thing I could have handled better. I should've been less nervous as there was nothing I could do about the court," he said.

Federer was broken in his first service game but, after falling 3-0 down, he completely dominated his Davis Cup team mate.

Stanislas Wawrinka and Roger Federer

Image credit: AFP

"I was happy with the way I responded after being down," he said. "Obviously Stan can play much better that this."

Federer will be playing his fourth final in Rome, one of two Masters 1000 tournaments he has never won, Monte Carlo being the other.

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