Djokovic through to Dubai final

Novak Djokovic was again forced to battle from a set down to seal his place in the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

In what has proved a tricky tournament for seeds, the world number three was on the brink of elimination in the second round against compatriot Viktor Troicki and again in the quarters against Ivan Ljubicic.

He was again once more in a tricky spot when Marco Baghdatis claimed the opening set of their semi-final.

But the Serbian hit back to seal a 6-7 (2/7) 6-3 6-4 win and a place in the final against Russia's Mikhail Youzhny.

Djokovic struggled for rhythm in the opening set, serving five double faults, and was a break down in the second, but took control from there to progress.

Seventh seed Youzhny earlier beat Jurgen Melzer of Austria in two tough sets to book his final place.

The key moment came at 5-5 in the first set, when Melzer slipped to 0-40 on serve and, although he saved two break points, Youzhny converted at the third attempt.

He went on to take the second on a tie-break for a 7-5 7-6 (7/4) win.

"It was a tough match," he said on www.atptour.com. "It was really close for both players.

"I think Jurgen played really well today. He was aggressive. He won a lot of good points. So for me it was really tough."