Nikolay Davydenko ended years of pain against Roger Federer on Saturday, beating the world number one 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 to reach the final of the ATP World Tour Finals for a second successive year.
The Russian had lost all 12 of his previous clashes with the Swiss magician but produced an inspired performance in front of 17,500 enthralled fans inside the O2 Arena to resist a Federer fightback.
Davydenko broke Federer's serve at 5-5 in a gripping deciding set and held his nerve in the next game, clinching victory on his first match point when his opponent netted a forehand after one hour 55 minutes.
He will play Swede Robin Soderling or Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in Sunday's final.
Meanwhile, two-time former champions Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan hit form at the right moment to ease into the doubles semifinals. The American twins beat Lukasz Kubot and Oliver Marach 6-3, 6-4 to record the victory they needed and send the Polish/Austrian duo home by virtue of a better sets ratio after both pairs ended with two wins.
Max Mirnyi and Andy Ram topped Group B after a straightset win over Lukas Dlouhy and Leander Paes. The Bryans face India's Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles of the Bahamas in the semifinal.
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