In pictures: Action from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships semi-finals

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Novak Djokovic prevail in Dubai

Published: February 29, 2020 10:47 Matthew Smith, Sport Editor

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Serbian world No. 1 Novak Djokovic saved three consecutive match points against Frenchman Gael Monfils to reach the finals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. On Friday, Djokovic defeated Monfils 2-6, 7-6, 6-1 in the semi-finals Image Credit: Reuters

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"It's like being on the edge of a cliff," said Djokovic about facing match points. "You know there is no way back so you have to jump over and try to find a way to survive I guess and pray for the best and believe that you can make it, that there is something that is going to help you. "That's one of the things that I feel at the moment. Okay, one point away, one shot away. There is no going back. This is it. I accept the situation and try to make the most out of it." Image Credit: Reuters

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Monfils led 6-3 in the second-set tiebreaker but Djokovic saved all three match points as his forehand forced errors. Djokovic converted his eighth set point when Monfils double-faulted. He cruised the rest of the way, winning 2-6, 7-6 (8), 6-1. Image Credit: Reuters

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Djokovic extended a couple of winning streaks: 20 on the tour dating to the Davis Cup Finals in November, and 17-0 against Monfils on the main tour. Meanwhile, defeat brought an end to Monfils' career-best 12-match winning streak, including titles in Montpellier and Rotterdam this month. Image Credit: AFP

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Djokovic set up a final showdown against Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas Image Credit: Reuters

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No. 2-seeded Tsitsipas beat Dan Evans of Britain 6-2, 6-3 without offering a break chance in their first meeting Image Credit: AFP

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"I just played a quality of tennis which I enjoyed," Tsitsipas said. "I am really impressed by the quality of my game, and I really hope to bring the same and possibly even better in the next round.'' Image Credit: Reuters

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Djokovic will play for his fifth Dubai title, trying to add to 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013. Tsitsipas, who lost in the Dubai final a year ago to Roger Federer, will play for his sixth career title. He won the Marseille final last weekend Image Credit: AFP

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