But the 16-time major winner resoundingly redressed the balance today, winning a gripping contest 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3 to tee up a final meeting with Andy Murray or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Serving at 4-5 Djokovic blazed a smash long at 15-30 to give Federer two set points. Djokovic saved the first with a forehand but Federer seized his chance, winning a sensational 20-stroke rally with a smash to move within a set of the final.
Federer told the BBC: “Obviously I’m ecstatic, I’m so happy.
“I played a great match today, a great tournament.