Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Andy Murray toppled time defending champion Novak Djokovic on Friday to reach the final at studded $1.7 million Dubai Tennis Championships.
The third-seeded Murray upset the world No. 1 Djokovic in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, in 82 minutes amid dusty conditions on Day 5. Murray broke Djokovic four times, while the super Serb could manage only one break in the surprising setback.
Djokovic had won the last three Dubai titles, including a victory over Roger Federer in last year's marquee finale.
The three-time Grand Slam runner-up Murray will face the Federer-Juan Martin del Potro victor in Saturday's lucrative title match.
"I've had a lot of tough losses in my career," Murray said. "To come back from them hasn't always been that easy. I think it's big for me that after Australia this year I've come back and had a win like tonight.
"Hopefully that will set me up well for the year. Confidence in tennis and almost any individual sport is so important. A win like tonight will do that no harm; therefore, mentally I'm sure I'll be stronger."
The world No. 4 Murray is through to his second ATP World Tour final of the season, having captured his 22nd title in Brisbane in January.
The mighty Djokovic was off to a 10-0 start this year and is the reigning Australian Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon champion.
"Andy played a great match," Djokovic said. "He was the better player today. He was serving really well. I made a lot of unforced errors when it was important. It's been a great tournament here in Dubai. Look forward to Indian Wells, Miami, which are the next tournaments, next challenges. I think I have more than enough time to get ready for it."
Murray is now 5-7 lifetime against his good friend and fellow 24-year-old Djokovic, who beat the Brit in an Aussie Open semifinal in January.
The 16-time Grand Slam champion Federer, fresh off his title in Rotterdam two weeks ago, is currently battling del Potro, who titled in Marseille last week and lost to Federer in the Rotterdam finale the week before that.
Federer and del Potro are meeting for a 12th time, with the Swiss icon holding a commanding 9-2 lead in their all-time series, including the victory in Rotterdam last month. The 6-foot-6 Argentine stunned Federer in the 2009 U.S. Open final. Federer, however, has won their last three matchups overall.
The 2012 Dubai champ will collect $409,170.
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