Federer to meet Tsonga in Paris final

Paris, France – Former world No. 1 great Roger Federer and seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France won their respective semifinal matches Saturday at the $3.06 million Paris Masters.

The third-seeded Federer handled fifth-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-3 to record his 801st career victory.

The Swiss icon Federer, who is fresh off last week's tournament victory in his native Basel -- his first title in 10 months -- has now reached the final in every Masters event.

Berdych, the 2010 Wimbledon runner-up, captured this Parisian tournament back in 2005.

Up next for the 16-time Grand Slam champion Federer will be Tsonga, who outlasted American John Isner 3-6, 7-6 (7-1), 7-6 (7-3).

Tsonga had advanced to the semis after top-ranked star Novak Djokovic withdrew on Friday. The Frenchman was a popular Paris Masters titlist back in 2008.

Federer will be appearing in his 99th career title match, while Tsonga will be in a final for the 11th time in his career.

Federer holds a 5-3 lifetime record against Tsonga.

The 2011 Paris Masters titlist will claim $625,000.