Djokovic books final berth

Djokovic, who lost all three of his group stage matches last year, will face either Nikolay Davydenko in Sunday's final after the Russian downed world number four Andy Murray 7-5 6-2 in the day's other semi-final.

"It's a huge success for me to reach the final," said Djokovic.

"It would be great if I can end up with the title. I didn't have such a great last couple of months of the season.

"I had this role of the favorite, and probably it's had some impact on me at the start of the match. I wasn't patient enough and made a lot of unforced errors."

The 21-year-old Serb made a solid start to the match, holding to love before winning the first two points against the Simon serve.

But the Frenchman quickly bounced back and found himself holding an early break point in just the third game, which he grabbed when Djokovic dumped a backhand into the bottom of the net.

One break of serve proved enough for Simon to take the first set and although he held four set points in an epic ninth game, Djokovic saved them all, forcing the Frenchman to serve it out.

Simon quickly set up another chance to take the lead, this time on his own serve, and sealed the first set when Djokovic's ill-advised forehand drop shot landed in the net.

Djokovic again got off to the better start in the second set, holding with ease before earning himself break points in the second game. While Simon managed to save them all, he could do nothing in the fourth game when Djokovic did eventually manage to make his advantage tell.

Again one break of serve was enough to settle the set and Djokovic levelled the match in the ninth game when Simon returned wide of the sidelines.

Simon looked down and out at the start of the third set, being forced to defend break points in the very first game before tamely conceding his serve in the third. But, with the Frenchman facing another three break points, Djokovic pulled up sharply, seemingly suffering from cramp in his left calf.

The Serb immediately lost four straight points to allow Simon to hold but, after an injury time-out, recovered and held to retain his one break advantage.

Djokovic served for the match in the 10th game but gifted Simon a tame break back slapping down a poor double fault.

The Frenchman was unable to take advantage of getting back on level terms though and was immediately broken back leaving Djokovic with a second opportunity to serve out the match.

The Serb made no mistake this time setting up two match points, following up a huge first serve with a supremely confident forehand drive volley which he plucked out of the air and placed in the opposite corner of the court.

Djokovic then booked his spot in the season-ending final with a cheeky drop shot that landed smack on the sideline and beat Simon for pace.