Federer to face Tsitsipas in final

Switzerland's Roger Federer returns during his win over Croatia's Borna Coric. REUTERS

Roger Federer will play for his 100th career title on Saturday after demolishing Borna Coric 6-2, 6-2 in the semifinals of the Dubai Championships.

Federer will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final after the Greek carved out a 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/4) win over Gael Monfils earlier Friday.

Federer, 37, was shocked by Tsitsipas in the fourth round of the Australian Open in January in their only other previous meeting.

“I don’t know how I won,” said Tsitsipas. “I was playing relaxed today, enjoying every moment.

“I was serving well and timed my returns. I had confidence going into the tiebreakers.”

For Monfils defeat brings to an end an eight-match winning streak and an entertaining run in Dubai that comes a fortnight after winning in Rotterdam.