Isner stuns Djokovic, to meet Federer in final

John Isner pulled off the biggest upset of his career at the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday before Roger Federer imperiously outplayed long-time rival Rafa Nadal in the other semi-final.

Big-serving American Isner overpowered world number one Novak Djokovic 7-6 3-6 7-6 and will face three-times champion Federer in Sunday's final, the Swiss having eased past Spaniard Nadal 6-3 6-4.

The second semi-final was delayed by three-and-a-half hours because of steady rain before Federer and Nadal came out for their heavily anticipated showdown, the Swiss dominating before sealing victory in one hour, 31 minutes.

Serving for the match at 5-4 and 40-30 on a chilly and blustery evening, Federer was briefly held up by a light sprinkling of rain before he powered down a 125 mph ace, his sixth in all, to book his place in the final.

"I just had a good day," 16-times grand slam champion Federer said in a courtside interview after winning 38 of his 40 matches since last year's U.S. Open. "Another great match in tough conditions. (Reuters)