PARIS, Nov. 3 -- Four-time winner Novak Djokovic edged Swiss veteran Roger Federer in full sets in a spotlight semifinal duel to set up his encounter against unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov at the ATP Paris Masters here on Saturday.
In their 47th career head-to-head, the Serbian moved to one win away from his fifth title at the tournament after triumphing 7-6 (6), 5-7, 7-6 (3) in over three hours to improve the record to 25-22.
"We had epic matches throughout our rivalry but this one definitely ranks as one of the best matches we played," Djokovic told a news conference.
"When I get to play Roger, I know I have to get the best out of myself in order to win. That's why our rivalries and matches are so special," he added.
Following current world No. 1 Rafael Nadal's withdrawal, it has undoubtedly become the most highly-anticipated clash at the tournament. In the full-capacity Bercy Arena, the two superstars didn't let crowds down as their encounter went in a dramatic manner with two sets forced into tie-breaks.
The opening set saw no break en route to the tie-break, where Djokovic saved a set point with three consecutive points for an 8-6 win.
The following set was underway in a much similar path, as both players did quite well on their serves, before Federer registered the only break throughout the match in the 12th game to force a decider at 7-5.
In the decider, Djokovic surrendered a glorious chance of breaking in the ninth game, only to see his 40-15 advantage slip away. The to-be world No. 1 threw his racket onto the court in frustration.
After the duel recorded another tie-break, Djokovic took the initiative at 6-1. Federer displayed his persistence by saving two match points, but still lost 7-3.
"The level was good from my side. Clearly I have some regrets. When you lose a close match like this you always have, wherever they are in the match," admitted Federer, who missed the chance of clinching his 100th career title in the French capital.
The Swiss was also ousted from the year-end world No. 1 contention following Saturday's loss.
"But overall it was a good tournament. I can look back and think it was definitely worth it to come to
Paris. I played some good tennis so I can be happy," he pointed out.
One more victory can earn Djokovic a record-equaling 33rd ATP Masters 1000 title with Nadal.
Khachanov may have enjoyed his best week of career in the French capital after bettering No. 6 seed Dominic Thiem in their first meeting to reach a maiden ATP 1000 final.
Powerful serves and forehands proved to be pivotal for Khachanov's semifinal victory. After the two players held their serves for 4-all, Khachanov broke for the first time before bagging the first set 6-4.
The Russian fully demonstrated his confidence later on, finishing quadruple breaks for a 6-1 second set victory. In the seventh game, he clawed back from 0-40 down for his fifth and last break.
Khachanov recorded his third straight Top 10 win at the Paris Masters after shocking John Isner and Alexander Zverev.
"I had some really tough and close matches against top guys and I was really believing that it has to turn around at one point," said Khachanov. "If you keep maintaining the level what you play, I think that's the main reason why these matches actually I won."
"It's one of the biggest achievements right now to make finals in the Masters 1000. I'm just happy that match by match I'm just increasing the level of the game," he added.
Djokovic won the only previous head-to-head against Khachanov in round of 16 at the 2018 Wimbledon.
"He's been playing some really good tennis, very solid from back of the court, very strong and great serve," said Djokovic.