World number one Roger Federer [Images] and Novak Djokovic, the rising star of the men's tour, will square off in the final of the Montreal Masters after both recorded hard-fought semi-final victories on Saturday.

Top seed Federer edged past unseeded Czech Radek Stepanek 7-6, 6-2 but the best was saved for last as third seed Djokovic stunned world number two Rafael Nadal [Images] 7-5, 6-3.

For the second match in succession, Wimbledon champion Federer hit 13 aces, snuffing out the few opportunities Stepanek was able to force.

Stepanek, who had won 12 of his last 14 matches, had Federer 0-40 in the seventh game but the Swiss fought back.

Stepanek then saved three set points in the tiebreak before Federer rifled a forehand return for a winner to take the set and then broke twice in the second set.

"I thought it was a tough match with a lot of crucial points," he said.

"A lot of shots were played on reaction...I couldn't really dictate play because he kept coming at me, but I came up some really nice passing shots when I had to and I started to serve really well."

Djokovic produced some inspired tennis as he beat Nadal for only the second time in seven meetings.

MORE AGGRESSIVE

Nadal, the winner in Montreal in 2005, missed three chances to break the Serb in the 10th game and Djokovic made him pay, sealing the set when the Spaniard put a forehand wide.

Djokovic was the more aggressive player throughout and a netted drop shot from Nadal in the eighth game gave him a 5-3 lead and he served out for a place in the final.

"I was trying to be patient but aggressive at the same time," he said.

"Just trying to make the opportunity for myself so I can finish the point.

"I was lucky in some moments. But my serve has been really good throughout the week and especially today in the important moments and on the break points I was serving my best."

Federer has won all four of his meetings with Djokovic but said he expected a tough match in the final.

"I think Novak's really playing well at the moment," he said.

"He's got an all-around game, he's got a good serve and good return. Always makes you work hard."

Djokovic, who won his first Masters Series title in Miami [Images] earlier this year, said he would be able to go for broke against the world number one.

"I have nothing to lose," he said.

"With the way I played throughout all this week - I had some really impressive matches - I can say that I'm feeling really confident, and I have some chances tomorrow."

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