Roger Federer set up a third straight final showdown with Rafael Nadal at the Monte Carlo Masters after Serbian Novak Djokovic retired ill from their semifinal match on Saturday.

The Swiss top seed was leading 6-3, 3-2 when Australian Open champion Djokovic, seeded third, pulled out after complaining of dizziness and a sore throat.

Three-time champion Nadal reached the final with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Russian fourth seed Nikolay Davydenko. Nadal will face a rejuvenated Federer, who regained his best form on Friday by beating Argentine nemesis David Nalbandian 5-7, 6-2, 6-2.

In the first set against Djokovic, the Swiss was back to his brilliant self.

He saved three break points in the fifth game before stealing Djokovic’s serve on his first attempt to open a decisive 5-3 lead.

Djokovic seemed in a position to bother Federer in the second set, only for him to leave the court following a quick chat with Federer.