Reigning champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia downed Roger Federer of Switzerland 4-6, 6-3 and 6-3 on Saturday to set up a Rome Masters final against world number one Rafael Nadal of Spain. Nadal, a triple champion, defeated Chilean 12th seed Fernando Gonzalez 6-3 and 6-3 in the earlier semifinal.
"He's going to be the favorite to win again," said Djokovic, "I have to play every point against him."
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his semi-finals match against Roger Federer of Switzerland of the Rome Masters tennis tournament in Rome May 2, 2009.
Second seed Federer, yet to win a title this year, looked to be cruising when leading 6-4 and 2-1 but rain then stopped play for about an hour.
The Swiss broke in the ninth game, went on to claim the first set before breaking the 21-year-old Serb again at the start of the second.
"I feel this is not a match I should have given away. I was playing him well, serving well when I had to and putting him under pressure. The rain delay came at a perfect moment for him," said Federer.
"It's a fact. I played much better after the break. I started being more patient, moving much better, giving him more balls back and making him play more," said the Serb.