Novak Djokovic saved a remarkable five match points as he completed a thrilling three-set win over Fernando Verdasco to set up a final with Andy Murray at the Qatar Open.
The defending champion looked like a beaten man when he trailed 6-2 during the second-set tie-break but somehow dug in to deny the 33-year-old Spaniard and secure a memorable 4-6 7-6 (9-7) 6-3 success.
"I can't describe it with one word," Djokovic told Eurosport.
"I would like to say tough luck for Fernando, he was clearly a better player for a bigger part of the match and he should have won this match.
"I can't say I did things the right way on those match points, he had some mid-court forehands, he should have finished it off, he didn't and I just hung in there. I just tried to make him play an extra shot, he was playing very well.
"It's definitely one of the most exciting matches I've played. I don't think I've saved five match points in my life too many times."
World No.1 Murray came through his semi-final in more straight-forward fashion, defeating Czech Tomas Berdych 6-3 6-4.
The Scot never looked like exiting the competition as he outclassed an opponent he has now beaten seven times in a row, including last year's Wimbledon semi-final, dating back to 2013.
Murray, who won the tournament in 2008 and 2009, has now recorded 28 consecutive victories.
"I want to try and keep it going, I feel a little bit like this year's a fresh start," Murray said.
"The end to last year was a great way to finish the year but it's great to be through to the final here and a great match against Novak tomorrow to look forward to.
"It's been the perfect week to get ready for the Australian Open."
