Roger Federer escapes a three-setter for the second day in a row, defeating Novak Djokovic 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 in the semifinals of Toronto, a day after edging Tomas Berdych in a deciding tiebreak.
Federer led by a set and 2-0 before Djokovic steadied himself, and was again up a break in the third before a patch of errors cost him the lead once more. Djokovic held two break points at 4-5, smashing his racquet on the changeover after failing to convert.
"He put his foot in the door before I could close it," said Federer. "He showed greatness tonight."
"It's a little bit frustrating that I haven't used the opportunity I had in the end, but, you know, he was realistically a better player today," said Djokovic. "I was too impatient, and as soon as I started putting one ball more than him in the rally, I won most of the points."
The result means that Federer will return to No. 2 in the rankings while Djokovic drops to No. 3.