MADRID — Novak Djokovic defeated Dominic Thiem 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4) Saturday to reach the Madrid Open final for the third time.
Djokovic outplayed Thiem in both tiebreakers at the Magic Box center court, converting on his first match point to set up a final against either Rafael Nadal or Stefanos Tsitsipas, who play later Saturday.
It will be the second final of the season for the top-ranked Djokovic, who began the year by winning the Australian Open.
A victory on Sunday will give Djokovic his 33rd Masters 1000 title, tying Nadal for most all time.